Maharajah Music College gets facelift

Vizianagaram: A century old music college in Vizianagaram town was established by Maharajah of Vizianagaram in 1919 to encourage and promote art and culture. It’s one of the oldest institutions in both the Telugu states. The maharajas had funded it and also donated a vast land track in the middle of the town.

The music college boasts of legendary musicians like Dwaram Venkataswami Naidu, Ghantasala Venkateswara Rao and Harikatha Pitamaha Aadibhatla Narayanadasu who had worked as principals of this college.

Eminent playback singer P Suseela and others were alumni of this prestigious college in which many students learnt music here. Even today, the college is offering a course in instrumental music like mridangam, sannayi, veena, violin, vocal courses, thus spreading the fragrance of music all over the world. Moreover, the college will be celebrating its centenary in a few months.

However, the 100 year-old-building was lying in a dilapidated state and the walls have lost their strength. During the rainy season, water starts leaking from the ceiling. The historical monument and heritage building is losing its glory and its pathetic condition has hurt music lovers.

Anyhow, the situation has brought to the notice of the state government and it has sanctioned Rs.1.2 crore to renovate the building. The government will be renovating it in the present shape only to protect the ancient style of architecture. At present the ceiling and walls are being demolished and they will be reconstructed in present shape only.

At present, the institute has no auditorium to conduct music competitions and concerts. As a result, the organisation has been forced to make some temporary arrangements for those programmes and concerts. Frequently, popular musicians from all over South India visit this school and even perform concerts. But all those programs are are being conducted under tents and sheds.

Now, the college will be getting Rs.50 lakh to construct a temporary auditorium. After completion of the the auditorium, music lovers can enjoy the sweetness of music in a well-furnished auditorium.

Speaking to The Hans India here on Thursday, P Anuradha Parasuram, principal of the music college said, “The government has recognised the importance of art and culture and sanctioned funds to renovate this prestigious college. This is good news for music lovers. The construction works are under progress and they are expecting to be completed soon. Then, we will organise the centenary celebrations on a grand scale.”

B Nagendra Prasad, a student of this college said, “We are happy to know that the prestigious organisation is getting a facelift. So far, the students are forced to learn the music under pathetic conditions. But now it’s being renovated with sufficient funds which will spread the aroma of music to the next generation”.