Mysore/Mysuru: Traditional or classical forms may not be modern but they are contemporary by virtue of its existence. If it was not the case, these forms wouldn’t have survived, said Kalamandalam University Vice-Chancellor Prof. B. Ananthakrishnan, here this morning.

Delivering the Convocation address during 10th Convocation of Karnataka State Dr. Gangubai Hangal Music and Performing Arts University (Music University) at its premises on JLB Road, he said: “Cultural forms are travelled through history as a river flow through different terrains. As every terrain has shaped the nature and values of the river, the same way traditional forms are also shaped by the times and communities through which they have passed through.”

“The forms we see and practice now are shaped and reshaped by the earlier generation and handed over to us to shape it for the next generation. It doesn’t mean that the next generation is taking over the form as we have done but they appropriate it for their functional purpose according to their convictions,” he said and added that today’s graduates of the artistic expressions should be very conscious about the art forms as it is being transmitted from one generation to another.

In his address, Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot said, the world of music and performing arts is a world of creativity, expression and beauty. It is a world that has the power to inspire, to move and to transform.

Addressing the graduating students, he said, “Each one of you, as artistes and scholars, has the capacity to touch hearts, challenge norms and create new narratives through work. The artistic expression is a gift to the world, as it is your responsibility to use it wisely and meaningfully.”

Stating that the students were the ambassadors of arts, Governor Gehlot said the students had the power to shape culture, to foster understanding and to bring about positive change.

“The world is facing complex challenges and the arts have a role to play in addressing them. Creativity and passion have the potential to transcend borders and bring people together in ways that few other pursuits can,” he said.

He also encourage the students to use their talents to not only pursue personal success but to also contribute to the betterment of the society as the arts have the capacity to inspire dialogue, provoke thought and advocate for social change.

The Governor also conferred Hon. Doctorates upon former Rangayana Director H. Janardhan (Janni), Music exponent Prof. B.R. Sheshadri Iyengar and Folklorist G.M. Shivaprasad (Gollahalli Shivaprasad) on the occasion.

The Music University also presented D.Litt. to seven individuals namely Dr. K.V. Nagaraja Murthy, Dr. Shivakumar Kanasogi, Dr. H.K. Sheela Sridhar, Dr. K.M. Kumaraswamy, Dr. Kempegowda, Dr. Rashmi Prasad and Dr. Hasana Raghu.

Meritorious students were also presented with gold medals and cash rewards on the occasion.

Music University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nagesh V. Bettakote, Registrar (Evaluation) Prof. M.G. Manjunath and Finance Officer C.P. Sowmyashree and others were present on the occasion.

Gold medal and cash prize winners

Masters in Performing Arts (MPA)

V. Latha (Karnatak Vocal – 5 gold medals), D.N. Indrakumar (Hindustani Vocal Department – 3 gold medals), S. Srikanth (Drama – 1 gold medal), C. Nanjundaswamy (Drama – 1 gold medal) and A. Shravya (Bharatanatyam – 6 gold medals).

Bachelors in Performing Arts (BPA)

P. Puneetha (Karnatak Vocal – 4 gold medals), M. Sanjay (Hindustani Vocal – 2 gold medals) and M.B. Sujana (Bharatanatyam – 1 gold medal).

P. Puneetha, speaking to Star of Mysore, said “I was inspired by the musical programme aired in the radio which prompted me to learn music. I also used to watch musical programme on television and mobile which further encouraged me to pursue by studies in music. Today, I am happy to have won four gold medals.”

Expressing his joy, S. Srikanth said: “After completing my acting course at Bharatiya Rangashikshana Kendra in Rangayana, I joined the Music University for further studies. Initially, I was not happy with the marks scored and applied for revaluation which increased by total by 14 marks and I ended up scoring 1,749 marks and secured a gold medal.”

M. Sanjay said, “Though I had secured a BE (Mechanical), I decided not to pursue engineering as I wanted to study music. Having secured gold medals has brought in a sense of satisfaction.”