Bhopal: In a first, Madhya Pradesh Bhoj Open University has decided to launch a BA and MA courses in Dhrupad which is a genre in Indian classical music. Besides, it will also offer UG and PG course in Kathak. Guru Ashish Sankrityayan of Dhrupad Kendra, run under Ustad Allauddin Khan Sangeet Kala Academy, said that music in the university system was introduced about 100 years ago but at that time the focus was mostly on ‘Khayal’, the modern genre of classical singing in India. “No focus was laid on Dhrupad which is oldest form of classical music.”
“At that time, teaching of music would be imparted to students as per the ‘Guru-Shishya’ tradition but they did not use to get any degree. This would discourage students to opt for classical music studies. But now the situation is changing,” said Sankrityayan. About the courses, he said that at BA students would be able to opt for three subjects from Arts stream and one from Dhrupad and ‘Kathak whereas M.A students can go for specialization either in ‘Dhrupad’ or ‘Kathak’.
He further added that students can get a Bachelor’s degree with a flexible scheme of examinations that can be extended from three years to a maximum of six years, whereas Master’s degree can be stretched till five years. Guru Alpana Vajpayee of Kathak Kendra, run under Ustad Allauddin Khan Sangeet Kala Academy, said that the syllabus for both the courses is designed by her and Sankrityeyan in consultation with the Bhoj University. “The course material will be provided by the Bhoj University and the practical training will be imparted to the students as per the ‘Guru Shishya’ tradition at the centres” she added.
The duo hope that the courses will attract students in large numbers and they will enable them not only to become music scholars but also have greater employment opportunities with degrees in hand. They said that the courses are in conformity with the UGCNET and SET syllabus and students can also opt for government jobs after completing their courses. Vice Chancellor, Ravindra Kanhere, said that the all the formalities at the university level have been completed and a proposal for the new courses will be presented to the Chancellor Om Prakash Kohli for his approval. The courses are expected to start from the next academic session.
