The Karnataka State Dr. Gangubai Hangal Music and Performing Arts University in Mysuru, established in the academic year 2008-09 with the vision of nurturing musical talent and promoting Indian classical music and fine arts worldwide, has been functioning without a campus of its own for nearly 15 years. Since its inception, it has operated from a heritage building on JLB Road in Lakshmipuram.

Now, the long wait is finally ending. The University will soon shift to its own campus, coming up on a 5.5-acre plot near Nadanahalli on the outskirts of Mysuru, at the foot of Chamundi Hill.

The then Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) — now Mysuru Development Authority (MDA) — allotted the land in 2020. However, construction was delayed due to a lack of funds.

It was only through the initiative of Vice-Chancellor Dr. Nagesh V. Bettakote that the foundation stone was laid recently. With no financial support from the State Government, the University raised Rs. 4.5 crore from its internal resources to begin construction.

Phase-wise development

In the first phase, eight kuteeras — designed in the style of the traditional gurukula system — along with a seminar hall for regular classes, have been built. A compound wall is also under construction and is expected to be completed soon.

“With the completion of the first phase, classes at the new campus will commence from the current academic year. In the second phase, we will build office blocks for the Vice-Chancellor and Registrars, followed by student hostels,” Dr. Bettakote told Star of Mysore.

International recognition

Over the past 15 years, the University has not only nurtured talent in music but also dance and theatre, earning a place among the top 10 performing arts universities in a reputed magazine’s survey, bringing it global recognition. The new campus is expected to further expand its reach and activities.

More than 80 institutions promoting music and fine arts have signed MoUs with the University, enabling academic programmes in Bharatanatyam, Theaatre, Hindustani and Karnatak music, Kuchipudi, Kathak, Veena, and various folk art forms.

A struggle for land

The journey to secure a permanent home has been far from easy. Initially, land was allotted at Hunsur — 43 km from Mysuru — but the plan was dropped as regulations require the University to be within a 20-km radius of its headquarters. Another site at Sathagalli was rejected due to the presence of high-tension power lines.

A proposal to use a Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) building at Mandakalli fell through owing to high rent and electricity costs. Land at Varuna was also ruled out as it came under the Forest Department. Only after years of such setbacks was the present site at Nadanahalli, near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Nagar, secured.

The Vice-Chancellor clarified that music and dance examinations will continue to be conducted at the JLB Road campus.

Staff shortage

Since its inception, the University has faced an acute shortage of permanent staff. The State Government is expected to issue a recruitment notification soon. Currently, Government funding covers only salaries, with other expenses met from internal resources.

The University invites guest lecturers annually to maintain academic quality, for which Rs. 1 crore has been allocated.

Dasara cultural programmes

With Dasara approaching, Dr. Bettakote suggested that the District Administration consider hosting cultural programmes at the University campus, alongside other popular venues such as Dufferin Clock Tower (Chikka Gadiyara) and Kalamandira.

“This will help introduce the University to the public. Once the Peripheral Ring Road is completed, our new campus will be right at the heart of the city,” he added.

By Mohan Kayaka