By Mewati Sitaram
In a meaningful and culturally enriching interaction, celebrated film actor Pankaj Tripathi met Shri Mukesh Kumar Meshram, Principal Secretary of Tourism and Culture, Government of Uttar Pradesh, during his recent visit to Lucknow.
The meeting went beyond formalities and turned into an inspiring conversation on the significance of Indian art, folk traditions, and cultural heritage. Both dignitaries shared thoughts on how cinema and state-led initiatives can together amplify the reach of India’s deep-rooted cultural narratives, especially those originating in Uttar Pradesh.
Highlighting the symbolic essence of the state’s spiritual and cultural identity, Principal Secretary Mukesh Meshram presented Tripathi with the coffee-table book “The Essence of Kumbh.” The book, a visual and narrative tribute to the grandeur of the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela, explores its spiritual, cultural, and social impact, offering readers a glimpse into one of the world’s largest gatherings of faith.
Pankaj Tripathi, known for his deep connection to rural Indian ethos and cultural themes in cinema, appreciated the gesture and acknowledged Uttar Pradesh’s unique role in preserving and promoting India’s civilisational values through events like the Kumbh and heritage circuits.
The interaction is being seen as part of a broader cultural outreach by the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department to engage influential voices in the creative arts who can support and promote the state’s evolving cultural tourism offerings.
Mukesh Kumar Meshram, speaking to Mumbai Messenger Newspaper, said, “Our culture is our greatest strength—sharing it through meaningful dialogue helps preserve its essence for future generations.” He emphasized that when artists, policymakers, and cultural custodians come together in conversations rooted in tradition, it builds a powerful bridge between the past and the present. Through storytelling, performances, and open dialogue, we not only celebrate our heritage but also inspire younger generations to value and carry it forward. Culture, he added, must not be confined to books or museums—it must live, breathe, and evolve through continuous interaction.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
