Mysore/Mysuru: Karnataka State Dr. Gangubai Hangal Music and Performing Arts University is celebrating 108th birth anniversary of Padma Vibhushan Dr. Gangubai Hangal on Mar. 5 at 6 pm. To commemorate the legendary singer’s birthday, the University has organised a two-day Inter-College and University-level Cultural Competition and Festival on Mar. 4 and 5.

Karnataka and Hindustani Vocal, Skit, Mime, Mimicry, Bharatanatyam, Folk dance and songs, Percussion and non percussion instruments,  drama and light music, Patriotic songs competitions will be held for students from various Universities and Colleges.

On Mar. 5 evening, the grand valedictory, prize distribution and vocal concert by Pt. Venkatesh Kumar is organised. The whole Festival will be presided by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nagesh V. Bettakote. 

Legendary Hindustani Classical Vocalist and Guru Pandit M. Venkatesh Kumar is an Indian Hindustani classical vocalist renowned for his vibrant classical singing style. Prof. Venkatesh Kumar is gifted with a mellifluous, robust and vibrant voice, rich in tradition and deep in devotion. His vast experience and deep-rooted commitment has made him a name to reckon with.

He is also popular in singing Daasara Padas and Devotional songs. In 1968, when he was 12, Panditji was taken by his uncle Sri Belagallu Veeranna to the Veereshwara Punyashrama in Gadag to Puttaraja Gawai. 

Panditji learnt Hindustani vocal in the Gwalior and Kirana Gharana styles under Puttaraja Gawai. He blends these styles effortlessly in his presentations, though he admits to influences beyond these Gharanas. 

He got the first invitation from the great Pandit Bhimsen Joshi to perform at Sawai Gandharva Sangeet Mahotsava. This was the first step towards national exposure. Since then he has been featured in many National Musical programmes and has been an “A” grade artiste of All India Radio since 1988.

Pt. Venkatesh Kumar, acclaimed for his Kannada Vachana and Dasara Pada singing, also has multiple Devotional and Classical CD album to his credit including Naadavarshini. Recipient of Swarashree, Sangeeta Ratna, Karnataka Rajyotsava, Padma Shri and many other awards, at present Venkatesh Kumar is serving as a faculty member at Music College, Dharwad University.