Gurukul Sangeet Vidyalaya was established in Sangli on 6 September 2014. Shri Ramkaka Kelkar generously offered a room in his residence rent-free, where the Gurukul took its first humble steps with only ten students.
GURU–SHISHYA PARAMPARA
Gurukul Sangeet Vidyalaya.
— A Noble Concept
A place where Indian classical music is lived through devoted practice, close guidance and an enduring relationship between Guru and Shishya.
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01 A LIVING TRADITION
The Gurukul: a way of life.
The Gurukul is a unique legacy of Indian culture where knowledge flows seamlessly from the Guru (master) to the Shishya (disciple). More than an institution, it is a way of life. Students live in close proximity to the Guru, dedicating themselves wholly to learning. In this process, they imbibe not only the subject matter but also cultural values and mentoring—an essential element of true education. This timeless tradition has nurtured some of the finest exponents of Indian performing arts, whether in vocal, instrumental, or dance forms.
Carrying this precious heritage forward, Sangeetacharya Pt. D. V. Kanebuva Pratishthan was founded in 2007 by Shri Govind Bedekar, a renowned rasik and organizer from Pune, and Vidushi Manjusha Patil, an eminent Hindustani classical vocalist. Established in memory of her Guru, Pt. D. V. Kanebuva, the Pratishthan works with the vision of promoting and propagating Hindustani Classical Music through teaching, concerts, and cultural initiatives. Since its inception, it has been a vibrant platform for both eminent maestros and promising young musicians, embodying the true spirit of the Gurukul tradition.
It flourishes under the guidance of legendary maestros Sangeetacharya Dr. Vikas Kashalkar and Gaantapasvi Padmashri Pt. Ulhas Kashalkar, who personally mentor its growth and nurture both students and teachers.
As the number of students grew, the Gurukul moved to Vasantdada Patil Smarak. Shri Shekhar Gaikwad, the then District Collector and an IAS officer, helped the institution secure the premises at a nominal rent.
To give the growing Gurukul a larger and more suitable home, it shifted to the Ganesh Mangal Karyalay building.
The Gurukul evolved into Kakasaheb Chitale Sabhagruha with the support of Shri Girish Chitale, Shri Makarand Chitale and the Kakasaheb Chitale Foundation.
ललित♪भैरव♪जौनपुरी♪सारंग♪मुलतानी♪मारवा♪यमन♪मालकंस
02 ROOTED IN PLACE
Why Sangli?
A landscape shaped by generations of music.
Sangli-Kolhapur is a place where there is a treasure for Hindustani Classical Music. Ustad Abdul Karim Khan, Ustad Alladiya Khan, Gundubuwa Ingale, Yashavantbuwa Mirashi - all such maestros of Hindustani Classical Music have emerged from this very place. It has a proper environment and culture for the growth of Hindustani Classical Music. Further, Pandit D. V. Kanebuwa and Smt. Manjusha Patil hail from this very area. Hence, Smt. Manjusha Patil wanted this Gurukul Project to take place in the same area.
This initiative encompasses a long term vision and has a very positive future roadmap. The tradition will be extended to other cities of Maharashtra along with some additional activities to involve more music lovers. It will proliferate into a rich source of knowledge through a collection of books, literature on music and an extensive library of audio/video recordings of renowned artists. Music workshops, lecture-demonstrations and seminars will be planned on a regular basis. This will also encourage developing a refined breed of good listeners and an astute audience.
03 A HOME FOR MUSIC
Kakasaheb Chitale Sabhagruha.
At our Gurukul, music is not just taught—it is lived. Rooted in the ancient Guru–Shishya parampara, it nurtures both accomplished performers (Tansens) and sensitive listeners (Kansens). Training is offered in Hindustani classical vocal, harmonium, and tabla, combining tradition with dedicated mentorship.
The refurbished Gurukul and Kakasaheb Chitale Sabhagruha were inaugurated on 31 May 2024 in the presence of Padma Vibhushan Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia, Padma Shri Pt. Ulhas Kashalkar, Padma Shri Pt. Venkatesh Kumar and Sangeetacharya Dr. Vikas Kashalkar.
With the steadfast support of Shri Girish Chitale, Shri Makarand Chitale, the entire Chitale family and the Kakasaheb Chitale Foundation, the Gurukul was able to grow into a well-equipped centre in Sangli. It now includes a sound recording studio, guest room, conference room, pantry, reception, and the Kakasaheb Chitale Sabhagruha, which seats 100+ people for various programs and sangeet sabhas held at Gurukul Sangeet Vidyalaya.
The Gurukul at Gaon Bhag, Sangli, has developed a well-equipped centre across approximately 2,200 square feet for music education and musical activities.
04 RURAL OUTREACH
Expanding the roots to rural areas.
The Gurukul is now thriving with the support of the Kakasaheb Chitale Foundation, carrying classical music education into smaller rural communities such as Bhilawdi.
At Bhilawdi Shikshan Sanstha’s Secondary School and Junior College, the Gurukul has expanded its work among rural students, opening a path for young learners to experience Indian classical music through regular guidance, attentive practice and meaningful cultural engagement.
By taking the Guru–Shishya tradition beyond established urban centres, this initiative encourages curiosity, builds listening communities and allows musical roots to grow where access to formal classical training has traditionally been limited.
05 BEYOND BORDERS
Going Online.
Since April 2023, the Online Gurukul has used modern technology to carry sustained classical-music education to learners across India, the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, the United Kingdom,Germany, Dubai and Switzerland. Students living far from the physical Gurukul can receive regular guidance while remaining connected to a wider musical community.
As this digital initiative grows, the Foundation aims to strengthen online training, support deserving students through scholarships, create performance opportunities for emerging artists, and develop educational and cultural programmes that deepen the understanding and preservation of Indian classical music.
The Online Gurukul was inaugurated by Padmashri Pt. Shekhar Sen ji.
06 RECORDING & DOCUMENTATION
Pt. Kanebuva Studio.
Inaugurated in 2025, the Pt. Kanebuva Studio provides a dedicated space for recording, documentation and digital musical work at Gurukul Sangeet Vidyalaya.
Equipped with essential recording machinery, studio monitors, a digital workstation and acoustically treated interiors, the studio supports clear and focused recording of Hindustani classical music.
It also strengthens the Gurukul’s work in preserving performances, developing learning resources and connecting musicians and students through technology.