Lucknow University has stood for more than a century – 105 years of stories, footsteps, laughter, ambition, rebellion and countless memories buried within its campus.
Every time I walk past the old red building, I can’t help but wonder about the lives it has witnessed: the friendships, the heartbreaks, the victories, the rebellion, the quiet moments, as well as the chaos.
Some stories must have been loud enough to shake the walls, and others delicate enough to get lost in time.
But together, they form a history that still breathes in the corridors, even if the red building itself now stands silent and lifeless.
LU is an institution known for its legacy as much as it’s known for the contradictions that surround it.
Generations of students have walked through the gates of this university with the same dream of success, the same fear of the unknown, and the same curiosity about who they will become. And none left without learning a lesson or two about life, people, and themselves.
Now, here we are in 2025 – the newest chapter in the endless campus stories with our own expectations, hopes, uncertainties and the excitement of seeing what this place will make of us.
LU carries a curious mix of reputation – part admiration, part infamy. Ask anyone about the university and you’ll hear two completely different versions: some speaking highly of it, and others insisting it should be your last option to come here. Most students arrive with expectations which are suspended somewhere between doubt and optimism.
But LU isn’t understood through its buildings or history alone, it’s understood through the experiences of the students who walk these corridors today. So, to capture that, I reached out to a few of my Gen-Z fellows and asked them how LU really feels – not the reputation, not the idealised version, but the real everyday experience.
Their answers were honest and thoughtful-
Deepayon puts it perfectly:
“LU is strange in the sense that it has both a good and bad reputation. Most of the time if you ask someone about LU, they’ll either say that it’s decent or they’ll say that they’ll only come here as the last resort. So my expectations were mixed, I know I wouldn’t get JNU/DU level facilities or faculty but that’s fine. I was pleasantly surprised that it was somewhat better than I had expected, slightly that is. The English department is great and all the professors are good there too. The Psychology department is also very good but the AIH department is so strikingly different from both, it’s hilarious in a bad way. I think that for academics it’s decent, I’m doing BA anyways. You’ll get a good experience if you have a good set of friends and a good support system, otherwise it might be disappointing or even overwhelming. The administration is lacklustre and most of the time you’ll have to do things by yourself. Overall it’s been a decent experience and not like the horror stories I’ve heard.”
Shivangi’s experience came from a very different place – shaped by family, nostalgia, and childhood stories:
“My father completed his graduation from LU, so I grew up hearing countless stories about the campus, the students, the professors, and especially the strength of the student council. Because of that, one of my biggest expectations before joining LU was that the student–student bond and the student council would be very strong. And honestly, that part turned out to be true. Since LU is a huge university, both in reputation and in area, I also expected a lot of clubs and ongoing events. I believed this would be the kind of place where any student could find opportunities to shine, no matter what talent they had. And that expectation was fulfilled too. There are so many clubs here, and students genuinely get a platform to explore and grow. Another thing I had heard a lot about was the campus culture. Hostellers often talk about the fun they have and the support they receive, and from what I’ve seen, that’s also true. There’s a solid sense of community among students living on campus. But not everything matched what I imagined. Since LU is a government university and my course alone has around 140 seats, I expected things to be more organised. In reality, once classes began, I realised that out of 140 students, hardly 60 to 70 attend regularly. And even after more than a month, many students still seemed clueless about basic things. The management in my department isn’t as organised as I had expected, especially considering LU’s reputation. I’ve noticed that other departments seem more structured, but mine definitely lacks in this area. So while many of my expectations like strong student council, vibrant campus life, and talent opportunities were fulfilled, the organisation and management side didn’t match what I had expected.”
Hearing these perspectives makes one thing clear – LU is more than its reputation or history. It’s a living, breathing campus where creativity and talent thrive everywhere– in music echoing in the corners, sketches tucked into notebooks, and ideas whispered across the library. This brings us to the Talent Map — an attempt to acknowledge the voices, skills, and passions that often stay unseen but make LU truly alive. From budding artists to musicians, writers, and performers, LU is home to individuals who push boundaries and inspire others. Therefore, here’s lies the TALENT MAP OF LU –
- RUBAROO -THE OFFICIAL MUSICAL BAND OF LU
Since its inception in 2016, the band has carried the legacy of nurturing a vibrant music culture within the university, guided from the beginning by Prof. Roli Mishra.
MEMBERS OF RUBAROO-Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
Rubaroo currently consists of 12 members, who perform depending on the event’s requirements. Every member holds equal importance and dignity in the band.
Singers:
Shashvat (B.Sc. sem-5 Student) – Lead Male Singer
Karmishtha (B.A. student) – Lead Female Singer
Harshit (MBA student)
Saurabh (M.Sc. Sem-3 student)
Nandini (B.A. Student)
Arshita (B.A. student)
Arushi (B.Sc. Sem-3)
Instrumentalists:
Abhinnshyam – Lead Guitarist & Coordinator (PhD, Philosophy)
Nikhar – Pianist & Multi-instrumentalist (MBA)
Atulit – Tabla Player
Ayush – Cajonist / Drummer
Jeet – Rapper (MPs – Sem 3 )
Suhani – Beatboxer
ORIGIN OF THE BAND-Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
The band’s journey began in 2016, even before its current coordinator, Abhinnshyam, joined the university. When he arrived for his BA in 2019, Rubaroo was already at the peak of fame, especially after performing in the year’s convocation. He was fortunate to be selected as the lead guitarist in his first semester and later became the Music Coordinator in 2020.
From 2021 to 2024, the band experienced a hiatus – first due to administrative issues and later because Abhinnshyam went to pursue his Master’s at JNU.
Rubaroo was revived when Shashvat Dixit inspired the idea that Lucknow University deserved an official band once again. With the permission and blessings of Prof. Roli Mishra, the band reassembled. During the first jamming session after the revival, the members immediately recognized their collective potential, not only for themselves but for the university’s musical environment.
Rubaroo today welcomes students from all streams and courses, making it one of the most diverse cultural groups at the university.
 VISION & IDENTITY –
Rubaroo stands as a symbol of the university’s commitment to excellence in both academics and cultural life. The band believes that Lucknow University is one of India’s finest grounds for cultural blooming, like daisies in spring.
Musically, Rubaroo identifies primarily as a rock band, but it embraces a wide range of genres. Recently, the members discovered their strength in performing Sufi songs and qawwali-inspired compositions. Every song is chosen through a democratic process and verified by the Director of Cultural Activities to ensure dignity and relevance.
A unique quality of Rubaroo’s performances is their contextual depth; audiences who witness them live often find that each song resonates with the moment, the mood, and the cultural essence of the event.
Rubaroo aims to uphold the university’s heritage while continuing the timeless purpose of all musical bands: a spirit of rebellion and revolution. Abhinn says, “A musical band was always a group of artists who tried to provoke society to collectively critique the mediocrity and lethargy that sometimes plague Indian society. Rubaroo carries that same spirit forward. There is an analogy that I always connect with my band: just like team India in cricket, the band plays the best at its home ground: Lucknow University.”
ACHIEVEMENTS OF RUBAROO-Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
Rubaroo has been privileged to perform at some of the most prestigious platforms. Some of their achievements include:
- Performing at the Centennial celebration of Lucknow University in 2020, in front of-
Hon’ble Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Hon’ble Prime Minister.
- The first-ever rock band to perform “Hum Katha Sunate” on the request of-
Prof. Rakesh Chandra, then Director of Sanskritiki.
- Winners and top performers collectively or individually at multiple competitions held by-
BHU, IT College, RML, and several other institutions.
- Regular performers at major LU functions, including convocation and foundation week.
Born once in 2016, revived again through sheer dedication, Rubaroo’s journey mirrors the resilience of LU’s creative spirit.
- YASH NARAYANÂ Â
A B.Sc. (Botany, Chemistry, and Zoology) student at the University of Lucknow, while fully committed to academics, music has always been an inseparable part of Narayan’s identity. His musical journey began at the age of eight, when he formally learned the tabla, marking the start of a lifelong exploration of sound and instruments.
As he grew, Narayan expanded his skills to the synthesizer, flute, harmonica, and ukulele, teaching himself through online tutorials and experimentation. Eventually, he delved into music production, mastering different Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) and exploring how everyday sounds, from water droplets and ticking clocks to birds and waves, could be woven into meaningful musical compositions. For Yash, music is about creativity and accessibility: with just a smartphone, laptop, and headphones, one can create something impactful. His guiding principle in mixing and mastering remains: “If it sounds right, don’t touch anything.”
Music has given Yash two things he values most: Peace- the calmness of creating, and
Happiness– the joy of performing and connecting with an audience.
ACHIEVEMENTS:
Recently secured a Bronze Medal along with his group in a Qawwali competition, representing the University of Lucknow proudly.
PERSPECTIVE ON TALENT:
When asked, Narayan told us,“What started as curiosity slowly became a core part of my identity And I will never stop learning, whether they like it or not. After all, we are human, and we need a purpose to live and a source to stay alive.”
Yash’s Journey Shows Academic Excellence and Creativity can thrive together.
- SHUMAILA KHAN
B.A.(3rd Year)| PRESIDENT AND FOUNDER OF LITERARY SOCIETY OF LU (LITCORE)
Shumaila is currently in her third year, pursuing a double Bachelors in Arts, one from Lucknow University and another from IGNOU, majoring in English Literature, Psychology, History, and Public Administration. She calls herself, “a girl who wants to learn everything”, and her academic range proves it.
Her journey with the creation of LitCore began the day she realised LU didn’t have the kind of literary society she had always imagined. Instead of waiting for one to form, she built it herself. What started as a small, stubborn dream grew into a vibrant space where literature, feminism, cinema, culture and politics coexist because she refused to let the idea die. She found people who believed in her and together they turned LitCore into a creative force on campus.
She’s always been an arts child, the reader, the singer, the storyteller. Growing up in a conservative Muslim household shaped her worldview, her voice, and her belief that art and politics are inseparable. College finally gave her the stage to bring all of it together. Building LitCore made her realise that she wasn’t just consuming art; she was curating spaces for it. That’s where she found her talent – not just in creating, but in creating rooms where others can create too.
Though she’s known as an all-rounder – academically strong, reliable, the one who always shows up; her heart belongs to the artistic side of herself. Literature, music, films… that’s where she feels most alive. Academia helps her understand the world; art helps her feel it.
If her talent adds anything to LU, she hopes it’s this:
* A culture of creativity, where ideas feel alive and students actually want to create rather than remain passive learners.
* A stronger student voice and sense of agency, because students deserve spaces to lead, not just follow.
* A home where literature, culture, and politics aren’t intimidating; they’re empowering, relevant, and part of our everyday conversations.
* And, well, a little bit of fashion. Lucknow University could definitely use more of that.
She has an impressive record behind her – university-level debate champion with a 100% win streak, distinctions in drama and visual arts, national Olympiad ranks, awards in writing, sports achievements, leadership roles, and founding LU.Chronicles, the university’s first independent student-run daily. But more than the medals, what defines her is her curiosity and her commitment to making LU a more expressive, confident, culturally engaged campus.
For Shumaila, LitCore isn’t just a society.
It’s the place where everything she loves –  art, identity, politics, expression – finally found a home.
Shumaila, whose love for art and activism reshaped LU’s cultural landscape.
- NIKHIL
A B.Sc. (ZBC) Student at LU, He is one of the hidden yet most gifted artists on campus, He has been drawing since childhood. What began as a simple hobby slowly turned into a skill he kept refining on his own. His sketchbooks are filled with sketches that show incredible attention to detail, patience and emotion – the kind of art that speaks for itself without needing explanation. He rarely talks about his talent, but anyone who has seen his work knows that his creativity is not just a pastime; it’s something he has nurtured for years, quietly and consistently.
Nikhil’s sketches prove that true talent doesn’t seek attention, it earns it.
- MANASVI SRIVASTAVA
Former General Secretary of LitCore and former head of BiblioCore, she has always been an active student. In school, she was part of the student council and multiple organising committees, so leadership came naturally to her. She enjoyed meeting new people, learning new things, and exploring new spaces – a combination that made her fit perfectly into her role.
Her favourite part of her time in the society was interacting with people. One thing she is proud of is that she led the members independently. She once believed she needed support to take charge, but her time in the society taught her that she was fully capable on her own.
Manasvi always brought a sense of comfort and community to LU. She was someone who could talk to anyone, make them feel included, and create a warm, interactive environment. Even now, she encourages every student to be part of something outside academics. As a science student herself, she understands the weight of studies, but she believes activities beyond the classroom help you grow, connect, and discover more about yourself and the world.
Manasvi’s leadership shows that confidence grows the moment you trust your own voice.
- PRERNA SRIVASTAVA
A student of B.Sc. (2nd Year), and the Vice President of Litcore, her journey into LitCore began unexpectedly. Shumaila, the President, was building her team and spotted Prerna on Instagram, someone she barely knew beyond casual story replies. Although she and Prerna had only exchanged a few casual messages here and there, Shumaila remembered her and asked a mutual friend, “Are you friends with Prerna? We’re having a LitCore meeting tomorrow, bring her along.” The friend then reached out; and Prerna walked in with doubts about whether she’d fit in. But the moment she entered the room, she fell in love with the vibe, the people, and the vision Shumaila was creating. That same day, standing before the HOD pitching the idea of LitCore, she felt something click – this was the missing piece of her college life.
Despite having been a class monitor in school a few times, Prerna never realised she had true leadership qualities. College felt different and more uncertain. But people around her noticed what she couldn’t, her ability to lead without raising her voice. Their encouragement became her mirror. Slowly, she recognised what others already saw: she could lead, and she could do it well. As Vice President, her day is filled with conversations, shifting from one project discussion to another, each with different people, energies, and dynamics. This diversity is her favourite part of the role. “I learn something from every conversation,” she says, acknowledging how each interaction shapes her. With every member contributing, LitCore has become something bigger than any one individual. “Long after we’re gone, the work we’ve done will stay. We’re trying to build a beacon of hope,” she says, a statement that captures the heart of the society. Prerna’s leadership style is subtle but powerful. She isn’t loud, and she never pretends to be. People often assume loudness equals strength, but she’s living proof that quiet confidence can command equal respect. When something is wrong, she addresses it gently yet firmly, a skill people appreciate and often compliment her for. That’s her transition: realising that she doesn’t need to be the loudest in the room to take the light. She just needs to be herself.
Prerna proved that leadership isn’t loud – it’s consistent and kind.
Together, these students form just a glimpse of the talent that quietly shapes LU every single day. In a university as old and layered as LU, it’s easy for individual voices to get lost in the noise of legacy. But creativity here has always survived – sometimes loudly, sometimes quietly, but always persistently. The Talent Map is simply a way of saying that their efforts matter, that behind every performance, every artwork, every leadership decision, there is a student carving their place into LU’s long story.
These are just a few faces of a much larger creative universe that breathes within this campus. And if there’s one thing this journey proves, it’s that Lucknow University continues to grow not just through its history, but through the students who dare to add something new to it.
Because LU has never been just buildings or century-old gates, it has always been its people. The dreamers rehearsing in empty classrooms, the writers filling margins with ideas, the leaders who decide to build something meaningful.
This campus lives through them.
It remembers them.
And with every new batch that walks through the arches of its gates, LU reshapes itself once more – expanding and evolving.
Here, every festival, every society meeting, every poem scribbled on the back page of a notebook becomes part of a larger, living narrative. The legacy of LU isn’t just preserved in its history.
It’s being rewritten every single day by the students who call it home.