Kallur Mahalakshmi
Tabala Vidyalaya was born out of a zeal to popularise the Tabala not as a mere
accompaniment but as an instrument deserving its space in a solo percussion
performance. Kallur Mahalaxmi Tabala Vidyala is a familiar name in music circles.It
was setup in Dharwad in1985 and moved to Bangalore city in1997. As the Founder- Principal, Pt. Kallurkar has cast the Vidyalaya in the guru-shishya
parampara. He enforces a strict code of conduct on his students who range in age
from as young as 5 to as elderly as 60. Students have to necessarily dress in kurta-pyjama and upon entering the school first pay their respects to Pt. Kallukar's Guruji's photo and then to him. Kallurkar is also very discerning about who he takes on as his students. He is particularly wary of parents with lackadaisical attitudes who believe that going to Tabala class is a way of “keeping children occupied”. At the same time when he sees talent, nothing stops him from taking them on under his guidance. Today there are 20 talented students who cannot afford to pay his fees, for whom Pt. Kallurkar conducts special classes gratis. His love and passion for the art form can be seen in the way he attends to his
students. With careful attention to each student's need and capacity, he goads, provokes, stimulates and encourages them with his energy, artistry, and scholarship; all tinged with a great sense of humour. His methodology of teaching includes playing, reciting and writing, all of which go into the making of a complete Tabla artiste. His involvement with his students is complete and many parents, whose children had otherwise been withdrawn and shy, have observed that there is a marked improvement in their children's confidence and communication. The Vidyalaya teaches according to the syllabi prescribed by the Karnataka State
Music Education Board, Akhila Bharatha Gandharva Maha Mandal, Mumbai,
Prachin Kala Kendra, Chandigarh and various other prestigious institutions. This
combination of syllabi enables students to take up exams conducted by
any/all of these Boards
The Vidyalaya has been honouring outstanding senior musicians every year. Legends like Bharat Ratna Pt. Bhimsen Joshi, Ustad Sheikh Dawood Khan, Dr. Aban Misty, Dr. Gangubai Hangal, Pandit Basavaraj Rajguru, Pandit Basavaraj Bendigeri, Pt. Sheshgiri Hangal and many more stalwarts have visited the vidyalaya, blessed the students and have received felicitations. In true guru-shishya parampara Pt. Kallurkar's senior students are stepping in to share their teacher's responsibilities and dreams alike.They have recently initiated a forum called “Layakaari”, where accomplished students from the Vidyalaya and local upcoming artistes are presented an opportunity every month to present their talent to the music fraternity in the city. Students
also take this opportunity to introduce different aspects of the Tabala to the lay audience and the public alike in an effort to increase public appreciation of
this percussion instrument. The Vidyalaya celebrates a religious function on the occasion of Deepavali invoking the blessings of Kallur Mahalaxmi by performing Laxmi pooja. This day marks a
new beginning for students who are provided with ample opportunity to perform in front of an August gathering. The Vidyalaya celebrates Guru Poornima every year honouring their Guru. On this occasion all the students irrespective of how much they have learnt, perform in the presence of their Guru and seek his blessings.
