Set up cultural centres at Indira Sangit Vishwavidyalaya: Shekhawat

Khairagarh, Oct 12 (UNI) Vice-president Bhairon Singh Shekhawat today urged all states to set up their respective 'cultural centres' at the Indira Kala Sangit Vishwavidyalaya, the only university of its kind in South East Asia, located here in Chhattisgarh.

Delivering his address at the university's tenth convocation ceremony, Mr Shekhawat said the state government should take initiative to write to the states concerned in this regard so that the unique university could develop itself as a major centre of music and arts.

The Vice-President said he would also make efforts to impress upon the states concerned to set up such cultural centres in the university.

Pointing out that folk arts and music had a good international market, he said efforts were required to identify folk artists and to promote them so that it could become their livelihood.

Presiding over the function, Chhattisgarh Governor Lt Gen (Retd) Krishna Mohan Seth suggested that the university should introduce new courses in the field of visual arts in view of the growing demand.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh announced two gold medals to be provided to meritorious students every year. He also suggested introduction of new courses on modern techniques on music and visual arts.

Indira Kala Sangit Vishwavidayala, Khairagrah, was established under a state act by government of undivided Madhya Pradesh in 1956.

In 1956, the erstwhile rulers of princely states of Khairagrah donated their palace to open the university of music and fine arts.

Late Maharaja Birendra Bahadur Singh and Late Rani Padmavati Devi named this university after their daughter Rajkumari Indira , who was passionately fond of music.

According to Vice-Chancellor Prof Purnima Pande, Indira kala Sangit University offers numerous courses in various arts like classical vocal music, classical instrumental music, classical dance (Khatak and Bharatanatyam), folk dance and music, painting, sculpture and graphics as well as history of Indian art and culture and various literature.

The university has 45 affiliated colleges, one affliated research centre, and a number of recognized examination centre throughout the country.

UNI JJ PS 1745