Former Deputy Chief Minister Dinesh Sharma Reflects on Lucknow Ties

Dinesh Sharma, recently appointed as the Lieutenant Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, expressed his deep emotional ties to Lucknow at a cultural event in the city. The gathering, named ‘Mehfil-e-Tikait Rai’, took place at the Vistar Club in Gomti Nagar and was organised by the cultural group 'Wah Lucknow'.

In his address, Sharma spoke of the importance of initiatives that celebrate Lucknow’s rich history, literature, and cuisine, stating, “Such a tradition is a good thing. It gives us an opportunity to understand Lucknow better.” His remarks underscore the cultural significance of the city he formerly represented as mayor.

Sharma noted that he would need to resign from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) prior to taking his oath as lieutenant governor. The gathering featured a diverse group of writers, historians, and cultural commentators discussing the changing social landscape and heritage of Lucknow.

During the event, Abhishek Dutta’s book titled ‘Hanuman Ramayan Se Pehle’ was launched, with the discussion led by Umashankar Dubey. A story by writer Ashutosh Shukla, called 'Phonebook', was also presented by radio jockey Prateek.

A special session paid homage to prominent writer Abdul Halim Sharar, whose works vividly portray Lucknow’s social and cultural life. The session coincided with Sharar’s birth anniversary on September 4. Similarly, literary figure Kunwar Narayan was remembered as his birthday approaches on September 22.

Discussions included lighter topics related to the city’s famous bhatoora, evoking nostalgia among attendees who shared memories of old markets and eateries. Participants such as Sudhir Mishra contributed to the conversation, reflecting on the culinary traditions of the area.

Umashankar Dubey emphasised the goal of ‘Mehfil-e-Tikait Rai’, stating it aims to present Lucknow as more than just a geographical location, but as a vibrant entity shaped by its traditions, language, and collective memories. He also highlighted the need to engage younger generations with the city’s cultural legacy, ensuring that its traditions remain relevant in contemporary discussions.