UP: Classes in SNA, Bhatkhande too go online

LUCKNOW: Performing arts institutes in the city are taking the digital route to continue teaching amid novel coronavirus pandemic for the academic session 2020-21. Their foray into teaching the art form via video-calling and recording lectures is their first such attempt with some even admitting that they have never tried digital technologies before.
Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Akademi (UPSNA) has started a new session from July 20 and has been conducting online classes to impart training to students in 'kathak'. More than 225 students stay connected regularly through video-calling applications from 1pm to 6pm. Three teachers take classes of seven batches regularly.
"Not only from Lucknow or UP, students staying abroad have also taken admission and are partaking in online classes. We have decided that even when students will be allowed to physically visit the akademi, we will continue conducting a few online classes so that more students from the country and offshore are able to learn kathak," added Tarun Raj, secretary, UPSNA.
Classes at Bhatkhande Music Institute for the new session, which is scheduled to begin from September, will be conducted online. With social distancing norms in place due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the institute has decided to conduct online classes for freshers as well as second and third year students enrolled in the university in their regular programmes and diploma courses.
"We have opened the forms and students can avail it offline from the university itself. Last date for form submission is not yet decided. However, the admission test which was supposed to be conducted in April, will now be conducted in September and thereafter the new session will begin," said vice chancellor Shruti Sadolikar Katkar.
"Despite uncertainties due to the pandemic, students are very much interested to continue learning classical music from teachers and technology has come in handy. Students and teachers have been connected to us through digital mediums even during the lockdown," she added.
Bhartendu Natya Akademi (BNA) is still working on modalities for entrance exams and classes. “It would be a challenge for us to conduct a written exam and audition for entrance because at present Covid-19 guidelines do not allow gatherings,” said director Ramesh Gupta.