DLC SUPVA Celebrates Surya Kavi Pandit Lakhmi Chand’s Birth Anniversary with Grand Cultural Salute

In a historic celebration of regional pride and literary heritage, Dada Lakhmi Chand State University of Performing and Visual Arts (DLC SUPVA), Rohtak, hosted a grand cultural event today to mark the birth anniversary of Surya Kavi Pandit Lakhmi Chand, the legendary poet and folk artist widely regarded as the voice and conscience of Haryana. Held for the first time on such a monumental scale by the university named in his honour, the day-long event brought together distinguished artists, dignitaries, scholars, and students in a collective tribute to the iconic bard whose influence continues to shape the Haryanvi cultural consciousness. The celebrations commenced at 10:30 AM with a soulful performance of traditional Raginis by Pandit Vishnu Dutt, the great-grandson of Pandit Lakhmi Chand, accompanied by his group. The performance reverberated with emotion, nostalgia, and artistic brilliance as timeless verses of Dada Lakhmi came alive in their original folk melodies. The event was graced by distinguished dignitaries, including: Prof. Rajbir Singh, Vice-Chancellor, Maharshi Dayanand University, Sh. P.C. Meena (IAS), Divisional Commissioner, Rohtak, Sh. Narendra Bijarniya (IPS), Superintendent of Police, Rohtak. In his address, Vice-Chancellor Dr. Amit Arya expressed deep gratitude to the guests and artists, “This celebration is not merely ceremonial—it is an act of cultural reclamation. Pandit Lakhmi Chand represents the soul of Haryana. By bringing together poets, performers, and students on this stage, we are ensuring that his timeless wisdom and artistry find a renewed echo in contemporary creative expression.” The morning session was followed by a special screening of the feature film ‘Dada Lakhmi’ in the university’s mini-auditorium. The biopic, which chronicles the life, struggles, and literary legacy of Pandit Lakhmi Chand, struck an emotional chord with the audience. After the screening, Dr. Arya felicitated senior actor and the film’s producer, Yashpal Sharma, along with the entire cast and crew. Sharma, who delivered a moving performance as Pandit Lakhmi Chand in the film, addressed the students, “To portray Dada Lakhmi on screen was both a blessing and a responsibility. His life speaks to the courage of artistic truth and the soul of rural India. I am overwhelmed by the respect and warmth I’ve received at DLC SUPVA—this campus truly understands the value of cultural storytelling.” In a heartfelt moment, Dr. Arya also felicitated the family members of Pandit Lakhmi Chand, honouring their continued dedication to preserving his legacy. Speaking on the occasion, Pandit Vishnu Dutt shared, “I feel deeply humbled to be here today, singing the very Raginis my great-grandfather once created. To perform in a university named after him, in front of such an engaged and respectful audience, is an emotional homecoming for our entire family.” The audience comprised faculty members, staff, budding filmmakers, theatre students, and cultural enthusiasts from across the region. The university campus, decorated in vibrant folk motifs, bore witness to a unique convergence of heritage and contemporary learning. Registrar Dr Gunjan Malik thanked the guests and the audience. The university is also conducting its entrance test for the new batch of students this year. The event concluded with a strong collective sentiment: that folk traditions like those of Pandit Lakhmi Chand are not relics of the past—but living legacies that deserve celebration, scholarship, and creative renewal.