Transforming Artists of Tomorrow
Āvartan Gurukul, being instituted in the Cultural and Educational hub, the city of Pune, is a result of a potent combination of Vision, Passion, Ability and Organization.
“Āvartan” is a trust with support and contribution from highly respected artistes in India. With Pune as the fulcrum, Āvartan aspires to set up a “Gurukul” with the aim of making inspired artistes and Gurus for the future generations in a sustainable manner.
The method is to select highly talented students irrespective of religion, caste and economic background. While inspiration has been derived from many Gurukuls currently doing important work, Āvartan is going a step ahead in making this Gurukul have a holistic approach encompassing all the major facets of Indian art forms such as Vocal music, Instrumental music and Dance. This makes the School’s concept a unique one.
Our second objective is to take our traditional music and dance to that strata of students, who are completely alienated from this for years. This will be achieved by engaging Senior Gurukul students. We are extremely sensitive to the fear of some instruments dying out due to lack of both teachers and students. Instruments such as Jal Tarang, Veena, Sarangi, Surbahar, Dilruba, Shehnai are fast fading from the music arena and we have plans to revive some of these.
People involved with Āvartan Gurukul have done extensive research on the traditional Gurukul systems in India and worked out a plan which is most workable and relevant to current times, keeping all the major facets of the tradition intact. While technology is bringing world closer and closer and giving rise to the terms such as “World Music” and “World Culture”, Āvartan is determined to take every effort to preserve a separate space for Indian culture amidst a cultural onslaught.
The Concept of “Āvartan” was initiated by Pt. Ramdas Palsule, ace Tabla player and Guru. He says “I thought of starting a Gurukul to create artistes in various art forms under one roof like Percussions, Vocal, Instrumental and Dance. My vision is to go to the basic roots of teaching pattern in India. I am certain that this is the ideal way to create artistes and Gurus.”Vision
To preserve and propagate Indian Traditional Art Forms by creating highly proficient artistes through the ancient Guru-Shishya Parampara.
Mission
To spot genuine talent in the field of Classical Music and Dance and bestow them with extensive, allencompassing training in their art form so that they become conduits of culture for future generations to come.
Guru Shishya Parampara
No discrimination
The selection of highly talented students irrespective of religion, caste and economic background.
All-Encompassing Approach
Dissolve distinctions and make Āvartan a holistic centre for all the major facets of Indian art forms such as Vocal music, Instrumental music and Dance.
Revival
Bring long lost/declining art forms and instruments to that strata of students who have been alienated from these, while creating opportunities for other practitioners.
No Monetary Compensation
Only willingness, talent and merit are required for prospective students ‒ money does not exchange hands between students and institutions. Education here is free
Support Beyond the Summit
Designed to make artistes proficient enough to engage in full-fledged performances, while introducing them to an ecosystem that will sustain them beyond their time at Āvartan.
Infusing Modernity
We recognize the value of modern infrastructure and technology, which we merge with our derived teaching practices.
Infrastructure
Premises
Classrooms
Instruments
AV Infrastructure
Trustees
Shirish Kaulgud
Managing Trustee
Shirish has run an IT hardware solutions and consulting company for the past 23 years in Pune. He has been
extremely active in the field of Music and Culture through various organizations for the past 30 years. A
coordinator of the Pune chapter of SPIC MACAY from 1986 till 2015 that brings Indian Classical art forms to the
doorsteps of the students of Schools and Colleges, Shirish has interacted extensively with both, classical artistes
and their lay audiences. This enables him to understand the gap that needs to be bridged between the two. As a
managing trustee of Āvartan Gurukul, Shirish drives the entire working of the School.
Shirish Kaulgud
Managing Trustee
Shirish has run an IT hardware solutions and consulting company for the past 23 years in Pune. He has been
extremely active in the field of Music and Culture through various organizations for the past 30 years. A
coordinator of the Pune chapter of SPIC MACAY from 1986 till 2015 that brings Indian Classical art forms to the
doorsteps of the students of Schools and Colleges, Shirish has interacted extensively with both, classical artistes
and their lay audiences. This enables him to understand the gap that needs to be bridged between the two. As a
managing trustee of Āvartan Gurukul, Shirish drives the entire working of the School.
Anita Sanjeev
Trustee
Anita has worked extensively with many corporates in the field of finance. Her credentials are backed up by all
those who’ve worked with her as they swear by her organizational skills and unmatched focus. With an
extensively specialized knowledge in the domains of project finance, taxation and accounts, Anita is an ideal
combination of financial expertise and a passion for music, which augers very well for Āvartan Gurukul.
Anita Sanjeev
Trustee
Anita has worked extensively with many corporates in the field of finance. Her credentials are backed up by all
those who’ve worked with her as they swear by her organizational skills and unmatched focus. With an
extensively specialized knowledge in the domains of project finance, taxation and accounts, Anita is an ideal
combination of financial expertise and a passion for music, which augers very well for Āvartan Gurukul.
Shrikant Shirolkar
Trustee
Shrikant is a mechanical Engineer from the College of Engineering, Pune who runs a business in submersible
pumps for the past 26 years. With a keen interest in classical music that is evidenced by his ability to play the
tabla under the guidance of Pt. G.L. Samant, he also organizes several events for yet other musicians and artists.
In his role as a pillar for Āvartan, Srikant impeccably manages all our daily activities due to his keen inclination
for managerial skills and the ability to think on his feet. Having successfully managed a business on his own for a
long time, he possesses unique managerial and crisis management skills that keep our institution running in an
efficient, well-oiled fashion.
Shrikant Shirolkar
Trustee
Shrikant is a mechanical Engineer from the College of Engineering, Pune who runs a business in submersible
pumps for the past 26 years. With a keen interest in classical music that is evidenced by his ability to play the
tabla under the guidance of Pt. G.L. Samant, he also organizes several events for yet other musicians and artists.
In his role as a pillar for Āvartan, Srikant impeccably manages all our daily activities due to his keen inclination
for managerial skills and the ability to think on his feet. Having successfully managed a business on his own for a
long time, he possesses unique managerial and crisis management skills that keep our institution running in an
efficient, well-oiled fashion.