Kalkeri Sangeet Vidyalaya is a remarkable residential educational institution nestled just outside the scenic village of Kalkeri. Its humble beginnings trace back to October 2001, when a group of passionate individuals embarked on a mission to harness the transformative power of Hindustani Classical music and the performing arts for positive social change. This group, comprising Mathieu Fortier, a Canadian citizen immersed in the study of Hindustani classical music, his artistic French wife Agathe Fortier, a graduate in Fine Arts, Ustad Hameed Khan, a virtuoso sitarist and then the principal of the Music Department at the Karnataka College in Dharwad, and Mathieu’s brother, Blaise Fortier, laid the foundation of the institution.
Initially conceived as an informal music school, KSV set out to provide musical education to forty children hailing from underprivileged backgrounds. The school’s vision resonated deeply with the community, and its remarkable success soon paved the way for its transformation into a comprehensive residential institution. This expansion granted students the invaluable opportunity to immerse themselves fully in their academic and musical pursuits, fostering an environment that nurtured their growth and development.
As the years rolled by, KSV expanded its offerings beyond the realm of music, embracing dance and drama to provide its students with a broader platform for self-expression and exploration of their talents. Today, KSV stands as a beacon of hope, supporting a thriving community of 220 students comprising children, teenagers and young adults. This flourishing institution is now entrusted to the care of a dedicated team of over 75 staff members, including passionate teachers, diligent administrators, nurturing wardens, skilled cooks, and diligent maintenance workers. Together, they form a vibrant ecosystem that fosters holistic growth and empowers students to shape their own destinies.
The impact of KSV extends far beyond the confines of its campus. Many of its alumni have achieved remarkable success, not only in the realm of music but also in diverse fields. The education and opportunities provided by the institution have opened doors to meaningful employment and enriched lives, embodying the school’s fundamental vision of breaking barriers and providing underprivileged students with avenues for personal and professional growth. KSV’s transformative power, fuelled by the harmonious marriage of music and the performing arts, continues to inspire hope and drive positive change in the lives of its students and the wider community it serves.
