Bengaluru: Students learn in gurukuls', perform

Bengaluru: Though latest developments in education technologies (edtech) have become handy for learning in the fast-moving world, an international convention held in the city stressed on the need to hold on to classic pedagogical methods as well. Over a thousand millennials from across the country, who were exposed to the gurukul system, showcased skills they acquired, ranging from Indian classical music to dance, folk music to theatre, traditional paintings to crafts and poetry.

The festival was held as part of the International School Convention on DPS North campus, said Sadhana Rao, advisor of the Society for the Promotion of Indian Classical Music and Culture Amongst Youth (SPIC MACAY). She said, “It was astounding to see students demonstrating the talent they acquired giving priority to even minute details of performing or showcasing the art. The enthusiasm and confidence in each individual of the 20-25 member groups showed how their journey of exploration and discovery led to helping them imbibe technical excellence and to attain new skillsets.”

The week-long convention had set aside three to four hours of learning and assimilation process named ‘intensives’, where each student group was led by a guru, an expert in the respective art form, overlooking, guiding and introducing the shishyas to different nuances of the art. The students were also provided a chance to interact with various Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri awardees and were later taken on 13 heritage tours in and around the city and prime spots in the state. With some students performing on stage for the first time ever, organisers shared their delight of getting positive feedback from the experts who witnessed the performances. “While some who had never learnt any such art before performed the respective dance forms with the precision required, vocal music learners were seen understanding the subtle nuances of melody and singing as per the grammar keeping the perfect beat,” said an organiser.

Students trained in 

• Tye and Dye
• Pattachitra Painting
• Bagh Painting
• Chittara Tribal Painting
• Kalamkari Painting
• Carnatic Vocal singing
• Dhrupad Vocals
• Bharatanatyam
• Koodityattam
• Yakshagana
• Yoga
• Calligraphy
• Wood carving