Starved of funds, Kalkeri Sangeet Vidyalaya seeks sponsorship

Dharwad: Nestled in the midst of lush green farms 16km off Dharwad on a hillock is a residential school, Kalkeri Sangeet Vidyalaya (KSV).
Away from hustle and bustle of the city life Kalkeri is a quiet, serene place. Established on three acres, the school consists of simple traditional cottages made from locally available and eco-friendly materials. The school is engaged in offering formal education to the children from underprivileged classes.
The KSV does not charge any fee from any student and provides food, shelter, clothing, healthcare, education both in academics and Hindustani classical music free of cost. More than a school, KSV is a living and working ideal, where the students can blossom and realize their full potential. Its students are doing extremely well in SSLC examinations. The KSV was started in 2002 by French Canadians Mathieu, Blaise and Agathe Fortier.
At present, 250 students are learning in this school. The school also provides food, shelter, clothing, health care and education — in academics as well as Hindustani classical music — free of cost.
The three founders of the school, French Canadians Mathieu, Blaise and Agathe Fortier, are passionate about Hindustani classical. Dharwad is a centre of Hindustani classical, and Mathieu and Agathe Fortier came here to study music in 2001. They started KSV in 2002 — with the help of sitar artist Hameed Khan. Adam Woodward is the present director of the school.
School representative Veeranna Pattar said that every year they are getting over 1,000 applications seeking admission for their children. However, considering the financial aspects, it has become a challenge to increase the intake.
Depending solely on donations from well-wishers and philanthropists for financial support, the school is finding it hard to meet the rising expenses and hence, it has decided to launch ‘Children Sponsorship Campaign'. Through this campaign, the school aims to raise funds to continue providing free education, food and accommodation to the children.
This campaign will be on from Feb 3 till March 31 and based on response from the society, the school will take a further call on increasing the seats.
Those interested to support can call 99459 06721.
Caption: Students learning music at Kalkeri Sangeet Vidyalaya. (TOI)