Music university's first convocation held

Three legends in music, performing arts honoured

The country’s second and South India’s first music university — Karnataka State Dr Gangubai Hangal Music and Performing Arts University — hosted its maiden convocation at Crawford Hall, here, on Monday.

Governor Vajubhai R Vala, also Chancellor of universities of Karnataka, confered the honorary doctorates on renowned artistes for their contribution and achievements in the field of music and performing arts. Pro-Chancellor and Law Minister T B Jayachandra and noted actor-danseuse Vyjayanthimala Bali graced the occasion.

Veena exponent Ra Visweswaran, Hindustani vocalist  Indudhar Nirodi and Bharatanatyam exponent C Radhakrishna were conferred with honorary doctorates.

Delivering the keynote address, Vyjayanthimala said, the aim of the varsity should be to provide advanced training and opportunities in research in music and performing arts.

“The university is expanding its activities with initiatives such as extension of campus, publication department for publishing books on music and performing arts, offering degree and diploma courses, a model library, collection of musical instruments, audio, visual renderings of renowned artistes. Due to the academic forms of teaching and training, students here are lucky. Seriousness and focus are a must to make a mark in today’s competitive world,” she said.

She said, just being excellent will not be enough. “What students should seek and go after is excellence, as a watchword, to achieve their goal. Students should strive in all fields. Things do not happen overnight, but hard work and focus, can bring the best results. Students should not hasten and be part of political turmoil,” she advised.

Sharing her relationship with Gangubai Hangal, Vyjayanthimala said, as a keen fan and admirer of Hangal, it brings many happy memories.

“Whenever Hangal visited Chennai for performances, I would be the first to greet her and to sit in a front row among the audience. She sang with ease, right from her heart, and her performance was ever elevating and fulfilling. What made Gangubai Hangal a great performer is, her innate aptitude and accepting nothing less than perfection. This constant and continuous accomplishment of the master became a commitment and capacity,” she recalled.

She lamented over the present education system and said, though education has become one of the primary importance in India today, to build a strong future. In many parts of the country especially, in rural India, there is total ignorance. Today, India is deemed as one of the world’s most advanced nations. It cannot be ignored that India is ancient, civilised, self-respecting, but disagrees to join any bandwagon, she pointed out.

Musician Ra Visweswaran said, selection of teachers — at all levels of music education, both generally and at the university-level — should be based only on merit, knowledge and efficiency. Honesty and sincerity of teachers will guide the institution in the task and responsibility of moulding quality musicians and music teachers, he added.

Six students were honoured with nine gold medals and cash prizes. A total of 35 students from different departments were conferred with various degrees.