Mysuru: Governments throughout the world should pool their resources to establish a Global University of intellectual and pragmatic musicians to convey a message of universal brotherhood, love and peaceful co-existence, said Vidwan Dr. Umayalpuram K. Sivaraman, internationally renowned Mridangam artiste.

Delivering the third annual Convocation Address of the Karnataka State Dr. Gangubai Hangal Music and Performing Arts University, at Nityotsava Convention Centre in city this morning, Vidwan Sivaraman said in order to achieve this end, there should be several interactions with global musicians and governments to propagate music in any good form.

He also called upon to evolve a system of universal music combining in itself, the great qualities of melody, harmony and rhythm from every branch of music in the world and present such music recitals all over the world. “If music is going to achieve this purpose, I think the highest goal for mankind can be achieved without doubt,” he added.

Vidwan Sivaraman had the opportunity to interact extensively with eminent Western musicians, cognoscenti and music lovers while on concert tours and saw how the impromptu exhibition of creative flow on and off the stage that Indian music, ‘Manodharma’ in other words exhibits that attracted them.

“In today’s space age, with the advent of electronic media, the extensive opportunities to listen, exchange ideas and collaborate with different genres of music and musicians is the order of the day. This has given a lot of impetus to create one’s own ‘Manodharma,” he said.

Narrating his own experience of how music can be the highest form of cure for any ailment, he said, “I once accompanied Dr. Semmangudi Srinivas Iyer when I was running high temperature to a concert at Bhadravathi. At the end of the concert, I was perfectly normal and I believe this was due to the magical power of divine music.”

Vidwan Sivaraman asked the students to have a commanding stage presence, develop good public relations, be humility personified and follow the motto “music is much greater than the musician.”

City Musicologist and Padma Shri awardee Prof. R. Satyanarayana was conferred the Honorary Doctorate on the occasion.

Governor Vajubhai R. Vala presided. Music University Vice – Chancellor Dr. Sarvamangala Shankar, Registrar Prof. Niranjana Vanalli, Registrar (Evaluation) Prof.R. Rajesh, Syndicate and Academic Council Members were present.

Higher Education Minister and Pro-Chancellor Basavaraja Rayareddy was not present.

Dreams fulfilled

City Musicologist Prof. R. Satyanarayana was conferred with the Honorary Doctorate by the Music University. Speaking to the media after he was conferred the Doctorate, Prof. Satyanarayana said, “Dr. Gangubai Hangal Music University is my favourite University. The Indian music and arts has reached very great heights and my ambitions and desires in life have been fulfilled step by step. To receive the honorary doctorate is a great honour for me. Today’s youth should utilise every opportunity that comes their way in a purposeful manner.”

It may be recalled that Prof. Satyanarayana was conferred the Padma Shri award recently.  

Eight gold medals awarded

In all, 29 candidates received the degrees at the third annual convocation of the Karnataka State Dr. Gangubai Hangal Music and Performing Arts University, here this morning. Eight students received gold medals out of whom seven are from the Post-Graduate Department and one from Under-Graduate Department. Besides, two received cash awards.

The following are the Gold Medal winners: Geetha Hebbar, Hindustani Music Vocal, (two medals) B.K. Mamatha, Hindustani Music Vocal, Vijaya, Karnatak Music Vocal (two medals), V.Bharathi Mouli, Karnatak Music Vocal, M.S. Sindhu Rao, Bharatanatya, all M.A. students and K.N. Hemalatha, Karnatak Music Vocal, a B.A student.