Gangubai’s grand daughter waits 7 years to pursue PhD

MYSURU: They have cleared the admission test, paid fees and completed the mandatory coursework.Yet,23 candidates, including Vaishnavi Hangal, grand daughter of legendary musician late Gangubai Hangal, have been waiting seven years for a guide to pursue PhD studies at Karnataka State Dr Gangubhai Hangal Music and Performing Arts University.

In the absence of permanent faculty and reluctance of academicians in other universities to be their guides, these scholars have been waiting for long to start research work. On Monday, they held a flash protest in front of the varsity’s administrative block, demanding quick resolution of the issue.

The government founded thisuniversity in 2008butsince then, it hasn’t been able to recruit even a single full-time faculty. Vaishnavi said: “There has been a delay in the registration process. Many persons whom I taught music have completed PhDs from other universities. I’m also a victim of this injustice."

Kotrappa G Hiremagadi, a research scholar, said he has completed all formalities including admission test,coursework, fee payment, etc. “But authorities are not registering PhD candidates. We have all the documents. Though the varsity started a decade ago, not even a single PhD research work has been completed.”

In-charge vice-chancellor Rajesh said, “In the absence of full-timefaculty,wehaven’t been able to provide research guides to any candidate. We approached several faculty of other varsities, but they declined...The admission test and course work were done earlier. We can't take a wrong decision to correct past mistakes. We’ll bring this to higher education department’s notice.”