Maiden convocation of music varsity on Nov 30

The Karnataka State Dr Gangubai Hangal Music and Performing Arts University will hold its maiden convocation on November 30, seven years after it started functioning. Owing to paucity of space, the ceremony will be held at Crawford Hall, the administrative wing of the University of Mysore.

Addressing media here on Friday, Vice Chancellor of the music university Prof Sarvamangala Shankar said, “Governor of Karnataka and the Chancellor of Universities Vajubai Vala will preside over, while Pro-Chancellor and Law Minister T B Jayanchandra, who holds additional charge of Higher Education, will grace the event.

Noted danseuse and actor Dr Vyjayantimala Bali will deliver convocation address.  
Renowned artistes- Carnatic Sangeeth Vidwan Ra Visweswaran and vocalist Pandit Indudhar Nirodi from Mysuru and Bharathanatya exponent C Radhakrishna from Bengaluru will be conferred honorary doctorates, Sarvamangala said.

Eight gold medals will be given to six students, who will also get cash prize. Though the university has been functioning for the past seven years ever, since it became fully operational in 2008-09, the convocation was delayed owing to the delay in fulfilling certain criterion, she added.

More girls
Of 89 students, who enrolled during the current academic year, 73 are girls, suffice to say that girls are more interested in music. Certificate courses in training on ‘Naadaswara’ and ‘Dolu’ (native drum) programmes have been started at Devanahalli branch of the varsity in Bengaluru, while the newly opened study centre in Mandya is offering a certificate course in Sugama Sangeeta (Light music), Sarvamangala added.

Over all, the varsity offers 10 courses in music and performing arts. The institute has adopted a blend of ‘Gurukula’ and modern system of education to train the students, she added.

Even after several years, the university is still waiting for the chancellor’s nod to offer Ph D degrees. The university had accepted applications from students for the doctoral degrees between 2010 and 2012. At present, a total of 32 students have completed course work and other formalities and are waiting for registration. The registration process is expected to start soon, as the statutes adopted by the varsity have been sent to the governor for approval, vice chancellor added.

Though being a first of its kind university, there are no permanent teaching and non-teaching faculty. As many as 51 staff work in different departments and many of them are serving since its establishment.

Land sought
Unfazed by the forest department’s denial to part with the deemed forest land at Varokod, that was earlier identified to set up the campus of the varsity to extend its activities, Sarvamangala has requested Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Commissioner C Shikha to allocate land elsewhere. Earlier, 100 acres of land was identified in Varkod village on T Narsipur Road, but to no avail.