Daijiworld Media Network - Dharwad (SP)

Dharwad, Sep 24: 'Gantori', the childhood home of the 96-year-old legendary classical singer Gangubai Hangal, located in Shukravarpet in the city, was declared as a public museum by the chief minister B s Yeddyurappa, at a function held here on Tuesday September 23. The nonagenarian singer's ancestral house has been spruced up and tastefully arranged priceless pictures take the visitors down the memory lane.

The chief minister requested the Hangal Music Foundation to carefully maintain the museum and ensure that the pictures are preserved carefully. "I am sure, I will be there to celebrate the birth centenary of our cultural ambassador, Gangubai Hangal, in four years from now," he added.

Acceding to the requests made by Kannada activist Patil Puttappa and Dharwad north MP Prahlad Joshi, Yeddyurappa agreed to sanction funds for the setting up of a trust in the name of another outstanding musician Pandit Basavaraj Rajguru, whose disciples continue to enjoy tremendous popularity, here.

In her addres, Gangubai requested the government to include music as a part of the curriculum just like drawing or crafts. "I think this is the only way we can conserve rich music for our next generation," she felt.