The Karnataka State Dr. Gangubai Hangal Music and Performing Arts University has recently announced the introduction of an innovative course focusing on traditional combat sports. The objective of the course is to provide comprehensive training in various traditional combat sports, including Malla Kambha, Kalaripayattu, and traditional wrestling, among others.
This new program has been developed and implemented through a collaboration between the university and the Karnataka Sahasa Kala Academy of Ramanagara and Hassan Raghu. The inauguration of the course was honored by renowned music director Hamsalekha, highlighting the university’s dedication to promoting the cultural and physical traditions of the region.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will receive a certificate or diploma, depending on the duration of their chosen program. Departing from conventional educational offerings, the university aims to encourage students to integrate the study of martial arts and traditional combat sports with their academic pursuits.
During the inauguration, Mr. Hamsalekha emphasized the need to dispel the common misconception that martial arts and combat sports are reserved for academically weak individuals. He encouraged students to embrace the rich traditions of these disciplines and their inherent value in promoting physical and mental well-being.
Professor Nagesh Bettakote, the esteemed Vice-Chancellor of the university, highlighted the potential benefits of the course for students of dance, and announced that it would be offered free of charge to university students who expressed interest. However, the program is also open to external participants for a stipulated fee. Professor Bettakote further explained that the traditional sports offered in the course represent an important part of the cultural heritage of the region and deserve recognition and preservation.
Hassan Raghu, representing the academy, emphasized the multifaceted advantages of the course. Not only does it serve as an introduction to traditional Indian art forms, but it also equips students with valuable self-defence skills, enhancing their overall personal development and well-being.
The launch of this new course at Karnataka State Dr. Gangubai Hangal Music and Performing Arts University represents a significant milestone in the integration of traditional combat sports into formal educational settings. Students and enthusiasts now have the opportunity to explore and embrace the rich cultural heritage of traditional combat sports while simultaneously nurturing their physical and mental acumen.