Barabanki: Dr. Sudesh Kumar Verma from Barabanki district has brought national recognition to his hometown after being selected for the prestigious Tagore National Fellowship for Cultural Research (TNFCR), awarded by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Chosen from among thousands of applicants across the country, Dr. Verma is one of only 35 scholars nationwide to receive this highly competitive fellowship.
The achievement is being hailed not only as a personal milestone for Dr. Verma but also as a matter of pride for Barabanki district, which now finds its name on the national academic map.
Two-Year Research at IGNCA, New Delhi
Under the fellowship, Dr. Verma has been affiliated with the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), New Delhi, where he will conduct two years of in-depth research on the topic “Artistic Expressions of the Ramkatha in India.”
His research proposal was approved by the National Selection Committee (NSC) of the Ministry of Culture, chaired by the Secretary (Culture), in view of its high academic merit and cultural relevance.
Through this study, Dr. Verma will examine how the Ramkatha has evolved and been expressed across Indian painting, sculpture, folk art and theatrical traditions, offering fresh insights into India’s artistic and cultural continuity.
From a Village in Barabanki to National Recognition
A resident of Bibipur village in Siddhaur block of Barabanki, Dr. Sudesh Kumar Verma comes from a farming family. His father, Shri Ramkumar Verma, is a farmer. Dr. Verma completed his Bachelor’s degree from Avadh University, Faizabad, before moving to Delhi in 2014 after clearing the Delhi University entrance examination.
He went on to earn his Master’s degree and PhD from the University of Delhi, carving a strong academic identity in the field of Indian art and culture.
From UPSC Aspirations to Academic Excellence
Dr. Verma initially moved to Delhi with the aim of preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination. However, during this period, his interest in research and teaching deepened, eventually steering him toward a full-fledged academic career.
Currently, he is working as a Guest Assistant Professor at the University of Delhi and is actively engaged in research, writing and teaching related to Indian art, culture and heritage.
One of 35 Scholars Nationwide
This year’s Tagore National Fellowship selection process was particularly stringent. From thousands of applications received across India, only 13 Fellows and 22 Scholars—a total of 35 researchers—were selected. Dr. Verma’s inclusion in this elite list stands as a testament to his scholarly depth, research originality and academic commitment.
Celebrations have been reported in Bibipur village, across Barabanki district, and among academic circles in Delhi, as Dr. Sudesh Kumar Verma’s success continues to inspire young scholars from rural backgrounds to pursue excellence in higher education and research.
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