When chords strain, even rain gods weep

VADODARA, July 8: Even as all educational institutions and other offices were celebrating the holiday for Id on Wednesday, about a dozen stu...

VADODARA, July 8: Even as all educational institutions and other offices were celebrating the holiday for Id on Wednesday, about a dozen students of the Faculty of Performing Arts, M S University assembled in the 118-year-old building and sang to their heart8217;s content the megh malhar to welcome the rains.

For the students of this faculty, considered one of the best in the state, such a gathering was not unusual. As students, some of them pass-outs, point out whenever they want solace they get together and share each other8217;s creativity. In their own words, what leaves are to trees, baithaks are to them and their institute.

Mellifluous verses filled the air on the calm afternoon, as songs like Bole re papeehara, garaj baras badra and Kahan se aaye badra were rendered by Jignesh Shah, a vocalist doing his Master8217;s degree, former students Mukund Gaekwad of the Jaltarang-Shehnai group, Jitendra Karve, Nikte Gaurang and current students Manoj Solanki, Amol Konnur.

Founded and groomed by great musicians and artistes like Ustad Faiyaz Khan, Imam Ali, Nisar Hussain, Sudhir Kumar Saxena, Madhusudan Joshi, C C Mehta, V C Ranade, B G Vyas, Yeshwant and Markand and Urmila Bhatt, this institute stands a testimony to the distinguished place it has been over the past more than a century. Earlier it was called the Bharatiya Sangeet Pathshala, then became a wing of the Faculty of Fine Arts, MSU and finally in 1949 it was made an independent institute. The faculty has four wings, classical vocal, instrumental, theatre and dance and imparts education to more than 1,000 students in different diploma and degree courses. Adding a feather to its cap, many of its students have carved a niche for themselves at the state and the national level and are established artistes today.

Unfortunately, allegations of internal politics have marred the picture. Students claim that their long-pending demands have not been fulfilled despite several representations. Students also complain of lack of infrastructural facilities and staff shortage. Some students claim there is a moribund approach for students seeking higher studies, i e P hd in different streams. 8220;We have to go to other cities for pursuing higher studies,8221; regrets one of the students, pointing out that this institute has churned out very few P hd students. According to another student, an MSU rule, making it compulsory for a student doing his master8217;s to undertake two year of practical training without any honorarium, was also a bone of contention.

Officiating Dean of the Faculty professor D K Bhonsale, however, sees a silver lining in the dark clouds. 8220;We are aware of the students8217; demands, but things will work out eventually. I am for improvement and upgradation of the faculty, and will do the best possible,8221; he assures.