Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is completing the modalities to set up a Music Academy, said MAHE Registrar Dr. Narayana Sabhahit here today.
He was speaking as the chief guest in the Orientation Day- 2022 organised by Gandhian Centre for Philosophical Arts and Sciences for the fresh batch of students. “Liberal arts are the ‘heart’ of the University without which academic life could be too mechanical,” he added.
There was certain interdisciplinarity in the beginning of Manipal institutions. Now, the University is becoming more and more multidisciplinary with the inclusion of liberal arts. There is a need for multidisciplinary research, he added.
The guest of honour, Col. Prakash Chandra, said ‘peace’ is a much sought-after dream in this conflict-ridden world. There should be sustained nonviolent effort towards conflict resolution, reminding ourselves about Mahatma Gandhi.
Another guest Dr. Shashi Rashmi Acharya, said art could be a medium for peace. The notion of Shanta Rasa, the aesthetic emotion of peace, connects art with peace, and it could be extended to all walks of life, making the world one family. (Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam).
Speaking on the occasion, GCPAS Head Prof Varadesh Hiregange said the department has an ‘interdisciplinarity’ approach to education with ecosophy, aesthetics, peace, and media are the thrust areas. MIT Joint Director Dr. Somashekhar Bhat, Prof Phaniraj, Vid Bhramari Shivaprakash, etc., were present. The fresh students were introduced to different aspects of life in Manipal and GCPAS by the senior students with presentations, music, and dance. The students of GCPAS have coordinated the whole programme.
By 
ForthFocus™