“Katha Rang”: Petronet LNG’s CSR Initiative to Bring Classical Music, Kathak and Painting to Lucknow

Free workshop from August 1 to 6; grand finale at Bhatkhande University on August 7

Lucknow, August 2026 : Petronet LNG Limited, under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, is supporting the Sai Shinjini Academy of Fine Arts and Culture in organising “Katha Rang”, a free workshop on classical music, Kathak dance and painting in Lucknow. The event was formally announced at a press conference held at the Press Club, Lucknow, addressed by Academy Chairperson Anita Kulkarni.

Anita Kulkarni said initiatives such as “Katha Rang” aim to connect underprivileged and emerging talent with India’s rich artistic and cultural heritage. She said the academy has trained more than 900 students in India and abroad over the past nine years and expressed pride in bringing this opportunity to underprivileged youth in Lucknow with the support of Petronet LNG Limited.

The workshop will be held from August 1 to 6, 2026, daily from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Government Jubilee Inter College, City Station, Subhash Marg, Lucknow. Participants aged seven years and above can attend the workshop free of cost. The programme will conclude on August 7, 2026, at Kala Mandapam Auditorium, Bhatkhande University, Kaiserbagh, Lucknow.

Renowned Mentors to Train Participants

Three distinguished artists will train students during the workshop.

Shinjini Kulkarni, granddaughter and disciple of Padma Vibhushan Pandit Birju Maharaj, has trained more than 900 students in Kathak and has also directed Kathak dance sequences for films.

Sanjeeb Gogoi, a postgraduate in Fine Arts from one of India’s leading art colleges, has more than 25 years of experience in teaching painting. His realistic paintings have received appreciation internationally.

Internationally acclaimed musician Iqbal Hussain brings more than 15 years of experience in classical music and has performed on stages in India and abroad.

Participants will have the opportunity to learn directly from leading mentors, take part in the grand concluding event and share the stage with international artists. Certificates will be distributed by eminent classical musicians, while winners of the painting competition will receive attractive cash prizes.

The organisers aim to build a strong foundation for 100 students each in dance and painting, using a trainer-participant methodology.

About Petronet LNG Limited

Petronet LNG Limited is a major global-scale public sector company in India’s energy sector. It established the country’s first two LNG regasification terminals at Dahej in Gujarat and Kochi. The company handles nearly 75 per cent of India’s LNG imports, accounting for around 33 per cent of the country’s total natural gas supply.

As a responsible corporate citizen, Petronet LNG undertakes CSR initiatives in healthcare, education, environmental protection, preservation of art and culture, women’s empowerment and rural development.

About Sai Shinjini Academy

Founded in May 2013, the Sai Shinjini Academy of Fine Arts and Culture promotes painting, sculpture, photography, music, dance, theatre and yoga. In collaboration with NGO Sai Vidya Niketan, the academy also provides free training to more than 100 underprivileged students.

Academy Chairperson Anita Kulkarni, daughter of Padma Vibhushan Pandit Birju Maharaj, is a noted sculptor and painter in the contemporary Indian art world and has been associated with education since 1988.