HANAMKONDA: Amid the summer heat, a different kind of intensity gripped the classrooms of Hanamkonda. Homemakers, balancing the weight of deferred dreams and the demands of childcare, stepped into a 42-day crucible: the special Teacher Training Certificate Course (TTCC) in music. From May 1 to June 12, they compressed a year’s worth of learning into a relentless sprint, trading familiar routines for the disciplined rigour of Carnatic vocal training. Driven by the hope of securing government teaching posts, these women, many accompanied by their children, poured themselves into each raga and rhythm, determined to reshape their futures, one note at a time. The certificate they pursued wasn’t just paper; it was a promise of economic security, professional recognition and long-overdue empowerment.
Twelve women and three men attended the course. Speaking to TNIE, G Vani, a participant from Hyderabad district, shares: “It’s not easy to master a year’s worth of curriculum in just 42 days. But our mentor, Vaddiraju Nivedita, made it possible. With her 30 years of experience in government music education, she trained us brilliantly.”
Gampa Soujanya from Warangal echoes the sentiment. “This course gave us a golden opportunity. Instead of spending holidays on routine chores, we invested our time learning Hindustani music. We’ve gained as much as regular students. I’m proud of our mentor, who taught everything from the basics to raga alapana using practical examples.”
Soujanya adds that although many of the women have already studied at music colleges, the TTCC certificate gives them an edge in qualifying for teaching posts at government gurukul schools. Meanwhile, a male student, K Bharath, says he was grateful for the “marvellous teaching” by Guru Nivedita.
Speaking to TNIE, Nivedita shares, “This course has been a gamechanger for many. Earlier TTCC batches saw students secure placements in Gurukul schools, while others found their calling in music as a profession.”
Course coordinators Sandhyarani and Nayeem Pasha ensured the smooth conduct of the 42-day programme and monitored student progress.