Former Syndicate Member charges Music Varsity with stunted growth

Alleges many irregularities in eight-year-old University

Mysuru:  It is eight years since the Karnataka State Dr. Gangubai Hangal Music and Performing Arts University was set up in the city. Though it is a fledgling University, it has not seen the expected progress or development.

Every new institution has teething problems, but it is the responsibility of the people at the helm to give it a direction and see that it reaches the level expected of a unique institution that it was designed to be. However, it is sad to note that the people entrusted with its growth have failed to deliver.

In a press release, former Syndicate Member of the Music Varsity C.R. Himamshu has brought out several issues to the fore. “When a University is started, there should at least be a few permanent teaching and non-teaching staff. It is unfortunate that in Gangubai Hangal Music University there is not a single permanent teaching faculty or staff in all these eight years,” he said.

Even though there is sufficient money in the bank, the Vice-Chancellor, instead of utilising the funds to construct permanent buildings, kept on postponing the decision, which was not proper, he said.

The administration has also totally collapsed as there are allegations of documents being stolen and false ones created and in spite of complaints being filed, no action has been taken. In spite of it being a Music University not one person with a classical music background has been appointed to the Academic Committee, charged Himamshu, who is well-known among the music connoisseurs of Mysuru for holding the annual music festival at 8th Cross Ganapathi Pendal in Vontikoppal.

He also pointed out that while the yearly budget for the University was Rs.4 crore, the Registrar (Evaluation) has sought a grant of Rs.11 crore without bringing it to the notice of Registrar (Administration), which is a serious lapse.

With all these lapses, the Music University’s growth has been completely stunted and unless serious efforts are made by the musicians, artistes, thinkers and the University administration, the Music University, named after the renowned Vocalist Dr. Gangubai Hangal will continue to suffer in silence, said Himamshu in the press release.