Gandhi Mandela Foundation and Kathak Dharohar Celebrate 96th Lok Sabha Secretariat Day with “Padharo Mhare Desh”
Gandhi Mandela Foundation and Kathak Dharohar hosted “Padharo Mhare Desh” at Parliament House, showcasing India’s rich cultural heritage through classical and folk dances on the 96th Lok Sabha Secretariat Day.

New Delhi: The Gandhi Mandela Foundation and Kathak Dharohar organized a cultural event, “Padharo Mhare Desh” (Come to My Country), on the occasion of the 96th Lok Sabha Secretariat Day. The program took place at the Parliament House Auditorium, showcasing India’s rich cultural heritage through mesmerizing performances.
Celebrating India's Cultural Diversity
The event highlighted the country's traditions through classical and folk dance forms such as Kathak, Bihu, Bharatnatyam, and Odissi. Each performance reflected India’s cultural diversity, blending history, art, and tradition into captivating expressions. The event was conceptualized and choreographed by renowned artist Sadanand Biswas, whose innovative approach bridged traditional and contemporary art forms. The lighting design by Sangeet Srivastava further elevated the performances, making them visually stunning.
Key Dignitaries Attend the Event
The Honorable Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Om Birla, graced the occasion as the chief guest. Other notable attendees included:
Acharya Lokesh Muni (Vice President, Gandhi Mandela Foundation)
Advocate Nandan Jha (General Secretary, Gandhi Mandela Foundation)
Utpal Kumar Singh (Lok Sabha General Secretary)
The Lok Sabha Secretariat honored key individuals, including Seema Singh (Founder, Meghashray NGO), Dr. Sohini Shastri (astrologer and social worker), Kailash Chandra Parwal (writer), and Sanjay Lalwani.
Kathak Dharohar and Gandhi Mandela Foundation: Preserving Traditions
Kathak Dharohar is a prestigious institution dedicated to promoting Indian classical dance, especially Kathak. It plays a vital role in spreading awareness of this art form through performances and workshops.
The Gandhi Mandela Foundation, a registered trust, promotes the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela, such as truth, non-violence, and human rights. It has a global presence, organizing international events in collaboration with organizations like the United Nations.
Gandhi Mandela Awards: Honoring Global Peace
Instituted on Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th birth anniversary, the Gandhi Mandela Awards recognize individuals who continue the legacy of Gandhi and Mandela. The first award was conferred on Dalai Lama for his contributions to global peace.
The cultural program successfully highlighted India’s artistic legacy, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.