UP's Faizabad University has decided to build a music academy to keep Begum Akhtar's legacy alive. Seeking to give her public tribute 44 years after her death, Faizabad University has decided to build a Rs 60 crore Begum Akhtar Sangeet Kala Akademi on its campus, HT reported from Faizabad. The academy's location will be about 5km from her birthplace.
Akhtari Bai Faizabadi, also known as Begum Akhtar, was a pioneer of Ghazal, Dadra, and Thumri genres of Hindustani classical music. The legendary vocalist was born in Bhadrasa village in UP’s Faizabad in October 1914.
The institute will teach Begum Akhtar's genre of music and have wings named after the seven basic notes of Indian classical music — Sa, Re, Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha and Nee.
Manoj Dixit, University Vice Chancellor laid down the guidelines: “A student will first study at Sa. On attaining proficiency in the forms that will be taught at Sa, the student will qualify to enter Re, and eventually pass the course from Nee.”
Also: Sepia Stories: Aktarbai Begum Akhtar is the legend of Hindustani music
Dixit confirmed that the construction will begin in May, after the examinations. He added that it would at least take 18 months for the completion of the building. The academy is expected to be operational before Begum Akhtar's 50th death anniversary. There will be a museum to display rare records, films, all songs, photographs. Also, things related to her life, times, and music will be featured. The university will be the first to introduce courses in music that Begum Akhtar was famous for. The academy will also boast of a synergy between the course curriculum and the architectural design. The area of 9,951 square metres on a 36-acre plot will constitute the academy.
Dixit's university colleagues and Faizabad residents suggested the idea. They were keen on doing something constructive to solemnise the singer in her hometown.
Om Prakash Singh, a member of university’s executive committee told HT:
“She was such a famous personality, legendary singer, actor, and nationalist, and widely decorated with awards and honours (including the Padma Bhushan, posthumously). Yet, there is nothing noteworthy in her name. Following a demand from Faizabad citizens, the government of India released a Rs 5 coin on her birth centenary with her image embossed on one side. But we never saw that coin."
Documentary filmmaker, Shah Alam, was one of those Faizabad residents, who looked out for this tribute. He remembered her saying, “She was married to barrister Ishtiyak Ahmed Abbasi and there was pressure on him to move to Pakistan during Partition. But she refused, saying she can’t live without music and India. The couple stayed, but she stopped singing for a while only to resume later.”
Also Read: Google Doodle Commemorates Begum Akhtar’s 103rd Birthday
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