Gangubai completes 95, music lovers accord grand reception

Hubli, Mar 5 (UNI) Music lovers and laymen made a beeline to the house of Living Legend of Hindustani music Gangubai Hangal who was accorded a grand civic reception on her 95th Birthday.

Replying to felicitation, an overwhelmed Ms Hangal expressed her concern over drastic fall in the number of connoisseurs of Hindustani music and recalled the earlier years of her music performances. She narrated how she used to return to Hubli after every performance either it be in Mumbai or any other place. ''I will not leave Hubli and Hublites will not leave me'' she said in a voice choked with emotion.

A large number of noted artists and writers including Girish Karnad, Yenagi Balappa, Garemane Shambhu Hegde, Dr Chennaveera Kanavi were present.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister B S Yadiyurappa who spoke announced setting up of a Centre for Hindustani Music here at a cost of Rs Five crore.

Speaking at a civic reception organised to renowned Hindustani Vocalist Gangubai Hangal , he said the state government would provide necessary funds for the Centre, for which he wanted Ms Hangal to lay the foundation stone.

Mr Yadiyurappa said the foundation laying would be held by the end of April and the construction to be completed within a year and by next birthday Ms Hangal should inaugurate the same.

He said the Centre would be developed as a Tourist spot and give opportunity for upcoming Hindustani singers. He promised to release 25 per cent of the amount needed for the building in the Budget for 2007-08.

Mr Yadiyurappa also announced the government would release Rs 25 lakh to develop the birth place of Dr Hangal at Dharwad as a tourist destination. He asked Dharwad Deputy Commissioner and Hubli-Dharwad City Croporation Commissioner to initiate steps for developing the 1500 square feet home of Ms Hangal.

When the audience urged Ms Hangal, she sang with full emotion despite her advancing age.

UNI