Dharwad’s Kalkeri Sangeet Vidyalaya (KSV): A School with a Difference.

In October 2001, a few passionate individuals set out to harness the transformative power of
Hindustani Classical Music and performing arts. It was their dedication to the cause that, today KSV,
is known for imparting quality education along with teaching them life skills for a better and a
brighter future.

Kalkeri Sangeet Vidyalaya (KSV) Dharwad, has been a trendsetter with its eclectic mix of art and education. It took its present day form and shape with the vision of Mathieu Fortier, a Canadian citizen. It was his deep interest and passion in the study of Hindustani Classical Music, along with his spouse Agatha Fortier, a graduate in fine arts. Another notable was Ustad Hameed Khan, a virtuoso sitarist, and the then Principal of the music department at Karnataka College, Dharwad along with Mathieu’s brother Blaise Fortier. And the foundation of the institution was laid in the year 2002.

KSV is spread over three acres with eco-friendly buildings with an emphasis on sustainability in Dharwad’s peaceful valley. KSV provides a tranquil atmosphere required for academic excellence, artistic practice and all-round development of the children and instilling in them the Indian classical arts tradition. It provides free education in academics and performing arts to socio-economically disadvantaged children. Along with schooling, KSV provides free food, accommodation and healthcare. It is home to traditional and modern values peacefully coexisting and complementing each other.

KSV believes that a happy child is an asset to society when he grows up. Hence education is no longer considered a luxury, and is a basic fundamental need and a right of everyone. Children coming from economically weaker sections (EWS) of society are given the first priority. With education, access to food, healthcare services are also provided. KSV empowers the disadvantaged children to get academic qualifications, it also helps them develop their hidden musical talents, and to help them actively participate in the community’s cultural life.

It’s the vision and mission of KSV as it empowers, supports and encourages children from socially marginalised and economically weaker sections. It helps them realize their full potential and attain a better life to climb up the social ladder. All this is possible through an intensive and comprehensive
educational program and through the medium of performing arts undertaken in a rural peaceful setting. The young wards at the school are taught social skills; get a nutritious diet with healthcare services, love, care and compassion which are the fundamental needs of those deprived of it.

Kalkeri Music School: Initially conceived as an informal music school, KSV set out to provide musical education to 40 children hailing from underprivileged backgrounds. The school’s vision resonated
deeply with the community and its remarkable success soon paved the way for its remarkable transformation into a residential institution.

Education provided to students from standard 1-10 th to both boys and girls. It supports students in their higher education both financially and through mentorship. The children enjoy tranquillity necessary for their academic studies, music practice and many other cultural activities. Students are on the campus seven days a week to 10 months in a year. The medium of instruction is in Kannada,
Karnataka’s official language.

A school of hope: KSV is a beacon of hope for the thriving community of 250 students which includes: children, teenagers and young adults. It has a dedicated team of 70 staff members qualified as teachers, administrators, hostel warden, cooks and maintenance workers.

Vision: Through their achievements at KSV, the students reach a position to attain more meaningful livelihoods, and thereby breaking there by breaking the cycle of persistent poverty and creating a better future for them, their families and the communities they hail from.
Yoga, meditation and computer studies are also taught. The art school offers dual curriculum of academic studies alongside the performing arts of Hindustani classical music, Kathak dance, drama classes along with the Karnataka state’s syllabus. The team makes sure that all the students there
develop practical English communication skills.

For details visit: https://www.ksv.org.in/