Hubballi: The strains of the bandish have long since faded away, replaced instead by the melancholic chatter of monkeys and besmirched by all kinds of vermin. The dilapidated building that in Shukravar Peth, Dharwad, is all that remains of the home of legendary vocalist Gangubai Hangal. July 21 marks the ninth anniversary of her death and the classical music fraternity has decided that it will no longer bear this neglect in silence and intends to voice its protest at the tribute.
Soon after Gangubai’s death, the house in Hubbali, where she began her musical studies, was converted into a museum under the Chief Ministership of B.S. Yeddyurappa in 2008. Things have been steadily on the decline since, with various government departments either blaming each other or claiming that responsibility had been transferred to Gangubai's family. Either way, the house is now little more than a haunt for vermin.The classical music fraternity has raised its voice in protest, however. On July 21, the ninth anniversary of her death, a number of musicians will come together to pay tribute. Meanwhile her now-ruined home stands in mute testimony to truth: the negligence of district administration over the years.
The state government spends huge sums each year on the Gangubai Gurukul Music school, which was established in the city to preserve and teach classical music. Musicians have raised cries of protest, calling for the immediate renovation of the house, which has become an abode for monkeys, snakes and street dogs since it was abandoned six years ago.
Gangubai Hangal had begun her music study in this house, which is at Shukrava Peth in Dharwad. The house was sold soon after she moved to Hubballi.
The state later purchased the house and converted into a museum at a huge cost, soon after her death, during the tenure of former CM B.S. Yeddyurappa in 2008. Her family members say that the house was maintained over the first couple of years, after which it was transferred to the Kannada and Culture Department, when the downfall began. Even the gate to the house is missing, having been stolen by miscreants at an unknown time.
“Though the state provides Rs 1.5. crores each year for Gangubai Gurukul, these funds remain underutilized. The district administration should use these to renovate the home and conduct music programmes there each month,” said Gangubai's grandson, Manoj Hangal, who is also president of the Gangubai Hangal Music Foundation.
Meanwhile, S.K. Rangannavar, deputy director, Kannada and Culture Department, claims that the house had been transferred to the family of Gangubai and that it is their responsibility to take care of it. He also said that a letter has been written to the government seeking grants for repair and renovation.
