Since the inception of this project, the aim of Kalkeri Sangeet Vidyalaya has been to help children from humble backgrounds to create a brighter future, groom high quality musicians and contribute to the conservation and diffusion of the India’s vast musical heritage.
Today, the school provides food, shelter, health care, clothing, as well as musical and academic education to about a hundred children, all free of cost. The organization has been more than greatly encouraged by the high level of interest, enthusiasm and talent for music and other skills demonstrated by these keen young students.
Founded in November 2002, Kalkeri Sangeet Vidyalaya is located in a quiet valley near the city of Dharwad in Karnataka State, South India.
Our students, aged between six and eighteen years old, come from some of the many different communities that exist in Northern Karnataka, thus creating a real cultural mosaic: Lingayats, Marathas, Sunni and Shiites Muslims, Gowlies and Lambanis are but a few examples. This multi-cultural group of students, together with the staff and volunteers use a variety of languages, Kannada, Hindi, Marathi, Telugu, Lambani, Urdu, Irani, English and French are all spoken at KSV. These courageous and ambitious youngsters all come from rural and urban areas of Karnataka where access to holistic education is limited.
At Kalkeri Sangeet Vidyalaya, three different methods of instruction are employed, the first of these being concerned with music. It is inspired by the Indian tradition of the Gurukul. The Gurukul is a place where one comes to live with a reputed master, in order to acquire traditional knowledge. The aspirant is thus integrated into a lineage of masters and disciples, who will become his second family .
The second method of instruction is concerned with academic studies. It is based on the Karnataka State government educational program, whilst acknowledging the diverse academic backgrounds of our students and putting a particular stress on the acquisition of communication tools (English and Computer Studies) and openness towards the world.
The last method of instruction is concerned with the personal and social development of the children. It seeks the integration of healthy habits, as well as relationships with oneself and with others that are positive and respectful.
Read more about this unique school here.
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