Wed Apr 02 06:35:35 UTC 2025: ## New Music School Honors Legendary Indian Singer Kumar Gandharva
**Belagavi, Karnataka, April 2, 2025** – A new music school dedicated to the renowned Hindustani classical singer Kumar Gandharva was inaugurated in his birth village of Sulebhavi, Belagavi district, on March 31st. The Kumar Gandharva Sangeet Vidyalaya, built by the Belagavi-based Murkumbi Itihas Upakrama foundation, is an extension of the government high school and will offer free Indian classical music classes to children from surrounding villages.
The school, capable of accommodating 50 students, is equipped with various musical instruments and will also host concerts. The initiative is part of the centenary celebrations of Kumar Gandharva’s birth (April 8, 1924).
Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar, chief guest at the inauguration, praised the foundation’s efforts and highlighted Kumar Gandharva’s significant contributions to Indian music, including his innovative approach to ragas and his rendition of Kabir and Nirguni bhajans. She assured continued government support for cultural activities.
Kumar Gandharva’s daughter, Vidushi Kalapini Komkali, and grandson, Bhuvanesh Komkali, both accomplished singers, inaugurated the school. Ms. Komkali expressed her deep emotion at the event, while residents of Sulebhavi, including Jagadish Naganur whose family owns the house where Kumar Gandharva was born, expressed gratitude for the foundation’s commitment. Vidya Murkumbi, founder of the Murkumbi Itihas Upakrama, confirmed the foundation’s continued support for the school.
First Piper 