Music maestro Ilaiyaraaja is exploring options to set up a music college in Puducherry.
Ilaiyaraaja met Chief Minister V. Narayanasamy on Monday in this regard.
An official in the Chief Minister’s Office told The Hindu that the government promised all assistance to the proposed venture. The government has suggested a place near the Beach Road and Bharathiar Palkalaikoodam.
The Chief Minister suggested to Mr. Ilaiyaraaja that he could consider a tie-up with the Bharathiar Palkalaikoodam in Ariankuppam on the Cuddalore Main Road.
The official said the Palkalaikoodam situated on around 10 acres had almost become defunct. The government was not able to sustain the institute due to lack of funds, the official said. “Over the years, the enrolment at the institute has substantially reduced and now it is on the verge of closure. So if the maestro takes it over, we can revive the institute. A college instituted by a legend will bring glory to Puducherry,” he said.
The Palkalaikoodam was established in 1987 to commemorate the birth centenary of poet Subramania Bharathi. Run by a society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, the college offered courses in music, dance and fine arts.
After discussions with Narayanasamy, Mr. Ilaiyaraaja took a look at the college premises along with Director of Art and Culture Ganesan. The CM’s Office said modalities of how to carry forward the proposal were being worked out.
