• Karnataka State Gangubai Hangal Music and Performing Arts University builds a new campus at Nadanahalli in city outskirts
• To be officially inaugurated soon, says VC Prof. Nagesh V. Bettakote

SaReGaMa… the hum of music emanating from a Kuteera (cottage) nestled amid pristine environs, reminds of Gurukula, that was in vogue during princely days. The setting is back, with Karnataka State Gangubai Hangal Music and Performing Arts University, recreating the ambience, in the outskirts, at Nadanahali near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Nagar, on Mysuru- T. Narasipur Road in city.

The new campus, built on a vast expanse of 5.5 acres of land at an estimated cost of Rs. 9.75 crore, is all set for official opening, marking the turn of a new page, for the State’s only Varsity dedicated for the cause of teaching music and performing arts, within an academic framework.

The Varsity was established 16 years ago in the year 2008-2009 and was functioning from heritage Government High School building in Lakshmipuram, located near Vedanta Hemmige Circle, in the heart of the city. Since then, the Varsity was struggling to have its own campus, which has now become a reality.

Mysuru Development Authority (MDA) had allotted 5.5 acres of land at Nadanahalli. The foundation was laid for building the campus in February 2025 and was executed by the Central Government’s National Projects Construction Corporation (NPCC) Limited. The works were completed on a war-footing, well before the deadline, giving a new lease of life for the land.

The class rooms built in circular style cottages, covered by a country tiled roof and windows with bamboo curtain, create an aesthetic feeling, suffice to practice the nuances of music.

The works of Administrative Office building and library have been completed, with the interior designing of the rooms, still on. The works on building the hostel too shall be launched soon and will be completed within three months.

Elated over the Varsity finally having its own campus, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nagesh V. Bettakote told Star of Mysore, “We are self-sufficient now, by having a dedicated campus. The music and performing arts classes have begun in phases, followed by theatre and other art forms. If the Government recruits permanent staff, it would be beneficial in seeking 12b status from University Grants Commission (UGC) and tapping all other funds. National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) and National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) related procedures can also be fulfilled.”

A total of 155 students are pursuing various courses including Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA) in Karnatak Music, Hindustani Music, Bharatanatyam and Theatre. In addition, the Varsity has a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with 81 institutions, to offer Diploma and other skill development courses. Special exams of Karnataka Madhyamik Shiksha Pariksha Board (Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board — KSEAB) are also conducted here. Research centres of Music Varsity have been set up at five institutions, with the enquiries pouring in from other States and also foreign countries, added Prof. Bettakote.

The existing campus at Lakshmipuram will be used for developing a museum in the name of renowned Karnatak Vocalist Dr. Gangubai Hangal. That apart, the Administrative Office will be functioning and the exams will be conducted, he clarified.