For noted Carnatic vocalist and Principal of the Sri Swathi Thirunal College of Music Vanaja Sankar, the formula for restoring the college to its former glory is really a no-brainer — bring back the music teacher to Kerala’s schools.
In an interview with The Hindu , Prof. Sankar says there are doubts in the minds of parents today regarding the “utility” of the courses in the college. “We need the best and the brightest to come here. In earlier days, it was so, with the best teachers imparting knowledge and skills to eager students. Now, it is not so.”
It is also true that the transition from the Gaana Bhooshanam-Gaana Praveena courses (four and three years, respectively) to the BPA programme brought about a reduction in the number of periods for practical training. That is because students had to learn English, in addition to the mandatory Sanskrit.
“Once we move to the regular BA Music, the number of periods for music will come down even more. But then, the shift is inevitable. Then, our students will be able to apply for any job where a degree is the minimum qualification,” she says.
Prof. Sankar says she is deeply concerned about the impending shortage of permanent faculty members in the college. Unless steps are taken to effect staff appointments, the college will have to depend on guest lecturers and this will certainly have an impact on the quality of teaching and learning, she says.
