Mumbai, 16th November 2021: SVKM’s Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies – School of Performing Arts, one of India’s leading University with a long legacy of academic excellence, held its first annual convocation ceremony on 13th November 2021.
The convocation was presided by Chief Guest Mr. Louiz Banks, internationally acclaimed Pianist and a Composer; Shri. Shalin Divatia, Nominee of Honorable Chancellor; Dr. Ramesh Bhat, Honorable Vice Chancellor; Dr. Meena Chintamaneni, Pro-Vice Chancellor; Dr. Vikas Bharadwaj, Associate Professor School of Performing Arts.
During the welcome address, Dr. Ramesh Bhat, Vice Chancellor, welcomed the Hon’ble Nominee of Chancellor Sh. Shalin Divatia, Guest of honor Mr. Louiz Banks, other dignitaries, faculties, students, and guests on the first convocation of School of Performing Arts. He congratulated the graduating students and inspired them to do good things in life to make a difference. Further, he added that music is an integral part of our culture. Scripture places music as the primary role of culture. NMIMS University conceptualized the School of Performing Arts to impart education and learn the finer nuances of the music discipline.
Through its innovative multi-disciplinary, entrepreneurial practice approach, he said that SOPA is wholly aligned with the University’s strategy to promote education and training in music. SOPA has emerged as a thought leader in ideation, translating, and starting the degree programs in contemporary western music and this year in India Classical Music too. We aim to strengthen the music education in the country, and SOPA has plans to offer certificate and diploma programs in music in times to come. Our aim is that SOPA becomes a hub of creativity for all the students of the University and Community around by conducting workshops and mentoring the students in various creative spaces.
Dr. Vikas Bharadwaj, Associate Professor, welcomed all the dignitaries, faculty, students, and guests on the first convocation of the School of Performing Arts. He shared the excellent work done by the School in the last three years and congratulated them for successfully completing Graduation. Dr. Vikas Bharadwaj shared the broad overview and future plans of the School. “Swaragini” The first Magazine of School of Performing Arts was also launched at the Convocation, which remained the attraction point. He also shared the new initiatives like Open Amphitrite, introducing new programs of Diploma and Masters to give a broad scope of studying at SoPA and organizing in-house concerts of students and eminent musicians on a regular basis, sports activities, and many more to strengthen the concept of Assurance of Learning. Further, he shared about the recent visit to an NGO by the SoPA students to deliver the ICA project and communicate with the students there with the help of music to develop inter-personal human relationships in the communities around. He concluded the speech with a shloka mentioned in the Narad Sanhita :
नाहं वसामि वैकुण्ठे योगिनां हृदये न च|
मद्भक्ता यत्र गायन्ति तत्र तिष्ठामि नारद||
Delivering the convocation address, Chief Guest Mr. Louiz Bank, internationally acclaimed pianist, and composer congratulated all the students for being graduates. He also conveyed the good wishes to the graduating batch received from the BOS members. He inspired all the faculty and students with his motivational words.
The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Meena Chintamaneni, Pro-Vice Chancellor, NMIMS University.
About NMIMS School of Performing Arts, Mumbai
The School of Performing Arts is structured to serve as a perfect launchpad for anyone who wants to build a career in music and make a mark in the music industry. The studies include everything from music production, composition, arranging to contemporary performance. Faculty include top artists and scholars from across the world and guest lectures from top artists from the industry to offer the best exposure to students.
Website: https://performingarts.nmims.edu/
