The Hindu : Other States / Orissa News : Centre for contemporary music soon

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Oct 13, 2008
ePaper | Mobile/PDA Version

Other States

Other States - Orissa

Centre for contemporary music soon

Correspondent

To be set up by RU, AMF

CUTTACK: Akshaya Mohanty Foundation (AMF)—working for preservation and propagation of the legendary singer’s music and song—signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Ravenshaw University (RU) to set up a center for contemporary music.

The MoU was signed by the university Vice-Chancellor Debdas Chhotray and AMF founder member Debashis Patnaik here on the university campus on Sunday, the birth anniversary of the renowned singer.

Speaking on the occasion, Patnaik said a detailed project report of the center would be ready within two months and the center would strive to popularise the music and song of the singer vis-À-vis work towards improving all parameters of local music to make it of international standard.

“It was a dream of Akshaya Mohanty to set up such a center during his lifetime. However, the Foundation took up the cudgels to fulfil his dream and it would not have been a better opportunity than having it done with the cooperation of Ravenshaw University, the alma mater of the well-known singer”, Patnaik said.

Chhotray disclosed that the project is expected to be set up at an initial resource of Rs. 1 crore. The Foundation would generate finance of Rs. 50 lakhs while the university would provide a matching grant. While signing the MoU, both the university and the Foundation contributed Rs. five lakh each for the purpose.

“We would generate the remaining finances by way of donations, sponsorships and from our own funds. Besides, the Center would also have its own revenue generating system to meet the budget”, Chhotray said.

Music library

Initially the center would have a music library which would function from the Kanika library of the university. “The library would be unique of its kind in the State, which would be exclusively devoted towards contemporary music. Students can have access to Western, Chinese, Japanese and Mongoloid contemporary music in the library in the digitalised form”, the VC added.

Besides, the center would also set up a Department of Sound and Department of Music Presentation.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Other States