Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has unveiled an ambitious new cultural initiative—"One District-One Art" (ODOA)—aimed at identifying, preserving, and globally promoting the distinct performing, musical, and folk art traditions of all 75 districts of Uttar Pradesh. Modeled directly on the state’s flagship One District-One Product (ODOP) and One District-One Cuisine (ODOC) programs, the announcement was made during the "Dharohar" celebrations held at Sant Gadge Maharaj Auditorium in Gomti Nagar, Lucknow, marking the 63rd Foundation Day of the Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Academy. Addressing artists, scholars, and cultural administrators, CM Yogi emphasized that cultural preservation must also become a sustainable source of livelihood and pride. Alongside launching the vision for One District-One Art, the Chief Minister approved an increase in Academy Award prize money and directed the Department of Tourism and Culture to immediately fill vacant human resource positions at the Academy and Kathak Kendra. Across Lucknow, Varanasi, Ayodhya, Mathura, Prayagraj, Agra, Rampur, Jhansi, Gorakhpur, Kanpur, and Meerut, the initiative promises fresh institutional backing, stage platforms, and economic dignity for grassroots folk artists and classical practitioners alike.

'One District-One Art' on the Lines of ODOP and ODOC

Highlighting how Uttar Pradesh’s One District-One Product (ODOP) scheme transformed local craftsmanship into a global brand—pushing the state’s exports past the ₹2 lakh crore mark—Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath noted that One District-One Cuisine (ODOC) is similarly unlocking regional culinary heritage. Building on that proven model, he directed the Culture Department and all state cultural academies to prioritize "One District-One Art" so that every district’s signature folk music, dance, theatre, or endangered instrument receives dedicated recognition, training support, and regular performance platforms.

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Panch Pran (Five Resolves), CM Yogi remarked that taking pride in one’s heritage is indispensable to building a developed India (Viksit Bharat). While ancient civilizations around the world vanished under external invasions, India’s eternal spiritual and folk traditions kept the nation’s soul and self-respect alive across centuries. However, he observed that post-independence neglect pushed several indigenous art forms and rare musical instruments toward obscurity—warning that neglecting culture erases vital chapters of collective identity. Today, through the rejuvenation of cultural hubs in Kashi, Ayodhya, Mathura, and the Braj region, alongside global spectacles like Ayodhya Deepotsav and Kashi Dev Deepawali, Uttar Pradesh is placing heritage back at the center of public life.

Immediate Recruitment Ordered to Resolve Academy Manpower Shortage

During the event, CM Yogi praised young performers who showcased rare and endangered classical instruments—including the Vichitra Veena, Sarangi, and Pakhawaj—stating that their mastery proves Uttar Pradesh’s artistic legacy rests in capable hands. Taking note of institutional bottlenecks, the Chief Minister instructed Additional Chief Secretary for Tourism and Culture Amrit Abhijat from the stage to immediately resolve the human resource shortage at the Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Academy and Kathak Kendra—directing officials to constitute a dedicated selection board or committee and grant age relaxation where required so no artistic or administrative post remains vacant.

Embrace AI and Digital Media, But Never Forget the Fragrance of Soil

Addressing young artists, CM Yogi encouraged them to harness modern technology, digital platforms, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to present Indian arts to global audiences through innovative experimentation—while cautioning them never to sever ties with the fragrance of their native soil, folk melodies, or the Guru–Shishya tradition. Technology, he underscored, exists to enhance human convenience, not to uproot cultural identity.

Describing Indian music as a sacred path of spiritual devotion rather than mere entertainment, the Chief Minister traced sonic heritage to Lord Shiva’s Damaru (source of the Maheshwara Sutras), Lord Krishna’s flute, and Goddess Saraswati’s Veena. He paid rich tribute to the legendary Lucknow, Banaras, Agra, and Rampur gharanas, honoring maestros such as Pandit Birju Maharaj, Lachhu Maharaj, Girija Devi, and Begum Akhtar, while celebrating living folk traditions including Braj’s Raslila, Purvanchal’s Birha, and Bundelkhand’s Alha.

Award Prize Hike Approved; Young Instrumentalists Entrall Audience

Earlier, the Chief Minister inaugurated the ceremony by lighting the ceremonial lamp, followed by a rendition of Vande Mataram, a short documentary chronicling the Academy’s 63-year journey since its establishment on November 13, 1963, and an inspection of a rare musical instruments exhibition. Competition winners Shivansh Singh (Vichitra Veena), Anshul Tukwar (Sarangi), Soham Mishra (Tabla), Vaibhav Ramdas (Pakhawaj), and Atharva Pratap Singh (Flute) captivated the auditorium with live recitals.

UP Sangeet Natak Academy President Professor Jayant Khot thanked CM Yogi for approving the proposal to enhance Academy Award prize money, noting that the move has sparked immense enthusiasm among artists statewide. Academy Vice President Vibha Singh and ACS Amrit Abhijat felicitated the Chief Minister with an angavastram and memento, in the presence of CM’s Advisor Avnish Kumar Awasthi, renowned folk singer Malini Awasthi, Bharatendu Natya Academy President Ravi Shankar Tripathi, State Lalit Kala Academy Vice President Girish Chandra Mishra, Birju Maharaj Kathak Institute Vice President Mithilesh Tiwari, Kumkum Dhar, Sangeet Natak Academy Director Rajkumar, and Jain Vidya Research Institute Vice President Abhay Jain.