Belagavi has produced intelligent and talented musicians. The Gayaki of all popular Gharanas of classical music grew here. Many stalwarts of yesteryears stayed here, taught and sang for Belgaum’s music-loving community. Many of them founded their own schools and continued their legacy through their students and offspring.
Dr Gurunath Dattatrey alias Praveen Joshi (1913 – 1977) was basically from Dharwad and was an expert in the ice-making business. His expertise attracted the enterprising business mind of Raosaheb Gogte, who appointed him to his factory. After spending some years in this work, G D Joshi concentrated his mind on classical music. He became an active Shishya of Pt. Vinayakbuva Patavardhan and closely studied Gwalior Gayaki.
In 1938, G D Joshi opened a study centre of Gandharva Mahavidyalaya in Ahmedabad. He guided students in learning musical instruments like Harmonium, Sitar, Dilruba, Flute, Jaltarang and Tabla along with the vocal branch. He completed his PhD (Sangeet Praveen) through A B Gandharva Mahavidyalaya. In 1948, he came back to Belgaum and resumed his musical journey. Soon he was recognised as the representative of A B G M V Mandal in Karnataka state. Pt. R V Sheshadri Gavai, Pt. Shrivatsa and Pt. S B Deshpande were his co-examiners in southern India for many years. Joshi ji also wrote many articles and published many bandishes in various Raags in Sangeet Kala Vihar, the magazine published by the Mandal. He was the co-author of the textbooks and syllabus for the music examinations conducted by the Mandal with Pt. Vinaychandra Moudagalya. For some years, he served the Mandal in the important post of the registrar.
Pt. G D Joshiji had friendly relations with Shivram Raje Bhosle, the chief of Sawantvadi province. The latter became his Shishya in music along with his wife Satvasheela. Later on, he began teaching music in Sardar’s High School and B Ed College. Thus, he became instrumental in the inclusion of music in school education in Belgaum and in nearby areas, paving the way for others to follow suit.
His experience and working method proved to be fruitful in organising the Triennial Conference of A B G M V Mandal at Belgaum in 1957. His talent and musical capabilities helped the aspirants of music in Belgaum and also in North Karnataka and South Maharashtra. He actively participated in all cultural activities of Belgaum. His enthusiasm and planning in conducting various music competitions by Art’s Circle was the subject of appreciation from the artistes and the participants too! He was eagerly supported by Dr. N R Kulkarni and Shri. Shamrao Deshpande, the pillars of the circle. It was his contribution that this competition got its name and fame in all music circles of the country. It was his earnest desire that the youngsters of Belgaum too got accolades and stage through this event. Many youngsters like Anant Terdal (today’s celebrated Shishya of Bharatratna Pt. Bhimsen Joshi) and many others got benefitted by his knowledge and wisdom.
Dr. G D Joshi was an active managing committee member of Sangeet Kalakaar Sangh since it’s birth in 1957. His planning in organising the music festivals helped the Sangh in the beginning years. His intuitive method and chalking out the bylaws helped the managing committee in forming the constitution. The programme organisers from Hubli, Dharwad and Kundgol too sought his guidance! He had very close and lovely relations with the topmost artistes in the country, which made the events always successful.
Dr Joshi was noted for his acting skills too! He and his wife Dr. Indira Joshi, acted in many plays like ‘Gharabaher’, ‘Shrimant’, ‘Mi Jinkalo Mi Haralo’, ‘Jag Kaay Mhanel’, ‘ Sanshay Kallol’ and many others, directed by Bappa Shirwaikar. It is said that the play ‘Kanchamruga’ was written by Ranjit Desai and the role model for him was his couple!
About the author:
Pt. Nandan G. Herlekar is a renowned Hindustani classical vocalist, music educator and author from Belagavi. A lifelong student and teacher of Indian classical music, he has dedicated himself to documenting the city’s rich musical heritage. This series chronicles the lives and contributions of Belagavi’s musicians, preserving an important chapter of the region’s cultural history.