Hiranagar, 10-11-2024: Dr. Bharat Bhushan, Head of the Department of Music at Girdhari Lal Dogra Memorial Government Degree College, Hiranagar, was invited as a resource person at a National Seminar on Music held in Shikohabad, Uttar Pradesh. The seminar, themed “The Relation of Music with Literature, Society, and History,” took place on November 8-9, 2024, at BDMM Girls Degree College. The event was sponsored by the Indian Council of Historical Research, New Delhi.
Dr. Bharat delivered a comprehensive presentation on the institutionalization of music education in India, pioneered by Pandit Vishnu Digambar Paluskar in 1901. His presentation traced Paluskar’s significant contributions to establishing formal music education in India through the founding of Gandharva Mahavidyalaya in Lahore, a groundbreaking music school dedicated to structured, formalized instruction. Dr. Bharat highlighted how Paluskar’s efforts laid the foundation for integrating music as a formal subject within educational institutions.
Dr. Bharat emphasized Paluskar’s role as a visionary who recognized the need for a structured curriculum. At Gandharva Mahavidyalaya, Paluskar introduced a comprehensive music syllabus covering theory, history, appreciation, and practical training in both vocal and instrumental performance. His vision was to create a standardized music education system, introducing exams and certifications that validated students’ accomplishments and made music education more systematic and widely accessible. Paluskar’s institution became a model, setting the stage for similar programs to be established in universities and colleges across India.
Beyond academia, Dr. Bharat noted Paluskar’s role in promoting Indian classical music on a national scale. Paluskar organized music conferences and festivals, providing a platform for artists and encouraging a deeper appreciation for Indian classical music. His publications, including music textbooks and treatises, further supported music education, allowing his methods to reach a broader audience. These initiatives were instrumental in embedding music education into mainstream educational structures in India, an impact that is still felt today.
Prof. Lawanya Kirti Singh, Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts at L.N. Mithila University, Darbhanga, Bihar, chaired the session and commended Dr. Bharat’s presentation for its depth and clarity. Dr. Geeta Yadvendu, Principal of BDMM Girls Degree College, and Dr. Monika Singh, the seminar’s convener, joined other esteemed guests in felicitating Dr. Bharat for his valuable insights and contributions.
Dr. Bharat concluded his presentation by reflecting on Paluskar’s enduring legacy, which continues to inspire music educators and institutions across India. He underscored how Paluskar’s pioneering work not only transformed Indian music education but also made it more accessible, structured, and respected within academic circles.
