Lucknow, June 5 -- Governor Anandiben Patel has emphasised the urgent need to preserve and promote India's folk and cultural heritage, describing culture as a collective responsibility rather than merely a legacy of the past.

Her message was delivered by deputy chief minister Brajesh Pathak during the Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA) Samman Ceremony 2026 held at Gandhi Auditorium of Jan Bhavan, on Friday. The event witnessed the felicitation of 51 distinguished artistes selected for the years 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 for their exceptional contributions to music, dance, theatre, and folk arts.

Highlighting the role of artistes in safeguarding India's cultural roots, the governor said that art is not merely a medium of entertai...