Sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan on Friday announced the setting up of his music academy in Kochi.
Expressing happiness over the new venture, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan said at a press meet that the academy was his way of sharing his musical experience.
“The academy will teach music in the Gurukul system. I want to share my humble music with the world and there are a lot of young musicians struggling in search of a guru. This foundation will be a shade for them. I invite local musicians to help me in running this foundation.”
On why he chose Kochi for the initiative, he said he loved the commitment and sincerity of the people and the beauty of the state. Union Minister K V Thomas, who was present at the press meet, said two sites, one at Ramanthuruthu and another at Kalamassery, had been identified for the music academy.
“The moment we got to know of his interest in Kerala, we identified two places for him. He can choose from the two, the land will be allotted free,” he said.
District Collector P I Sheik Pareeth and MP Charles Dias were also present for the function.
Later in the evening, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan played at a concert in the city organised by the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi, DTPC and the district administration.