Madras University to introduce B.A., M.A. in Performing Arts

G.Thiruvasagam, Vice- Chancellor, University of Madras presenting the degree certificate to Anitha, third rank holder at the convocation of Tamil Isai College in Chennai on Saturday. TIS president Gokulakrishnan and IIndustrialist A.C. Muthiah, are in the picture. Photo: R.Ravindran

The University of Madras proposes to introduce M.A. (Rythmology) and B.A. and M.A. in Performing Arts from academic year 2011-12 and has finalised syllabus, Vice-Chancellor G. Thiruvasagam said on Saturday.

Conferring degrees and diplomas on 71 students of Tamil Music College run by the Tamil Isai Sangam (TIS), at the convocation here, Prof. Thiruvasagam said that he would write to the University Grants Commission and the All India Council for Technical Education for according professional course status to Tamil Music course so that the subject got due recognition.

Matter of regret

Prof. Thiruvasagam regretted that the urge among youngsters to acquire more knowledge about Tamil language and music was declining. Students studied the literature for the sake of examinations.

If this situation continued, the language and its culture would become a thing of the past. Universities and colleges should take steps to arrest this trend.

Tracing the origin of the music college, TIS president P.R. Gokulakrishnan, who presided, said there was a need for research into Tamil Music so that its antiquity and richness was known to the world.

Recalling the services of Annamalai Chettiar in the cause of Tamil Music, he said it was up to the younger generation to foster the tradition.

College principal Sumathi, who read out the annual report, said 325 students were studying in the institution.