The ITC Sangeet Research Academy (SRA), established in 1977 in Kolkata, stands as one of the most prestigious institutions in India dedicated to the preservation, promotion, and research of Hindustani classical music. Founded by ITC Limited (Indian Tobacco Company), this academy has nurtured a rich tradition of India’s classical music, training some of the finest musicians and serving as a hub for research in the field. SRA’s mission goes beyond performance, focusing on the guru-shishya parampara (teacher-disciple tradition), which has been the backbone of Indian classical music for centuries.
Vision and Mission
The vision of ITC SRA is to preserve, promote, and rejuvenate India’s rich musical heritage with a primary focus on Hindustani classical music. The academy’s mission is to ensure that the ancient traditions of Indian classical music continue to thrive, despite the evolving cultural landscape. By fostering deep understanding and dedication to music, SRA seeks to create the next generation of maestros who will carry forward this legacy with authenticity and innovation.
The Guru-Shishya Parampara: An Enduring Tradition
The most distinctive feature of the ITC Sangeet Research Academy is its commitment to the guru-shishya parampara, a time-honored method of teaching where the student (shishya) lives with and learns from the guru in an immersive setting. The academy emphasizes one-on-one teaching, ensuring that students receive personalized attention, which fosters a profound understanding of both the theoretical and practical aspects of Hindustani classical music.
Each student undergoes rigorous training under the tutelage of some of the finest gurus in the field, ensuring that the teachings are authentic and rooted in tradition. The gurus at ITC SRA are not only revered musicians but also individuals who embody the spirit of dedication, knowledge, and deep respect for classical music. Over the years, Padma Bhushan Pt. A.T. Kanan, Ustad Latafat Hussain Khan, Vidushi Girija Devi, and Pt. Ulhas Kashalkar have been among the eminent musicians associated with the academy.
Major Activities and Contributions
- Training Future Maestros: The primary activity of ITC SRA is training students under its Residential Scholars Program. Aspiring musicians are chosen based on talent, potential, and dedication to music. The students receive intensive training in khayal, dhrupad, thumri, and other forms of Hindustani classical music.
- Promoting Research: True to its name, the ITC SRA also encourages research in Hindustani classical music. This research encompasses historical, theoretical, and practical aspects of music, contributing to the broader understanding of its evolution and preserving rare and lesser-known traditions.
- Organizing Concerts and Festivals: ITC SRA regularly organizes concerts and festivals, providing a platform for its scholars to showcase their talent and gain exposure. These events are a melting pot for music enthusiasts, connoisseurs, and students. Sangeet Sammelans, organized annually, are an important highlight where both veterans and rising stars perform together.
- Documentation and Archiving: One of the significant contributions of ITC SRA is its extensive documentation and archiving of Hindustani classical music. The academy has accumulated a vast repository of audio-visual recordings, notations, and other scholarly resources that provide invaluable insight into the tradition.
- Collaborations and Partnerships: ITC SRA has forged collaborations with various organizations to promote Hindustani classical music across the world. Partnerships with universities and cultural institutions ensure that the academy’s work reaches international audiences and contributes to global research on Indian music.
ITC SRA and the Preservation of Hindustani Classical Music
In a time when Indian classical music faces challenges from the rise of popular culture and fusion genres, ITC SRA has remained steadfast in its commitment to preserve the purity of Hindustani classical music. The academy provides a sanctuary where the traditional ragas, talas, and compositions are kept alive and practiced in their authentic form.
Through its research initiatives, ITC SRA has unearthed rare compositions, documented musical styles, and provided theoretical frameworks that contribute to the rich intellectual tradition of Indian music. This combination of practice and scholarship makes the institution a beacon for classical music lovers and researchers alike.
Notable Gurus and Alumni
Over the years, the academy has been home to many eminent gurus whose teachings have shaped the musical journey of several renowned artists. Some of the leading figures in Indian classical music, who have been either faculty or alumni of the academy, include:
- Pandit Ulhas Kashalkar (Vocalist)
- Vidushi Subhra Guha (Vocalist)
- Ustad Rashid Khan (Vocalist)
- Pandit Ajoy Chakrabarty (Vocalist)
These artists, through their performances and teaching, have carried the legacy of Hindustani classical music to newer generations and across the world.
Facilities and Infrastructure
The ITC Sangeet Research Academy, located in Tollygunge, Kolkata, is equipped with world-class facilities to support both residential and day scholars. The serene campus is designed to reflect the ethos of traditional Indian gurukuls while also providing modern amenities such as recording studios, an audio-visual library, and dedicated spaces for concerts and performances.
The scholars are provided with accommodation and meals, and the atmosphere is conducive to focused learning and practice. The library and archival resources of the academy are among the best in India, providing students and researchers with access to rare manuscripts, recordings, and other scholarly materials.
SRA’s Impact on the Global Stage
While ITC SRA’s primary focus is on Hindustani classical music, its influence is not limited to India. The academy has been successful in promoting Indian classical music on the global stage through performances, workshops, and collaborations with international institutions. Many of the academy’s alumni have gone on to perform internationally, spreading the beauty of Hindustani classical music to diverse audiences.
In recent years, the academy has embraced digital platforms, making its concerts and seminars accessible to a global audience. This move has allowed music enthusiasts from all over the world to experience the magic of Indian ragas and talas from the comfort of their homes.
Conclusion
The ITC Sangeet Research Academy is a shining example of how tradition and modernity can co-exist harmoniously. With its deep-rooted commitment to the guru-shishya parampara, its focus on research, and its continuous efforts to promote Hindustani classical music, ITC SRA has become a cultural institution of national importance. As India’s musical landscape continues to evolve, the academy’s role in preserving, promoting, and passing down the timeless traditions of classical music remains indispensable.
In an ever-changing world, ITC SRA’s commitment to keeping Hindustani classical music alive and thriving is a testament to the enduring power of art and culture in shaping our collective identity.
