Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Bengaluru Kendra

Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Bengaluru Kendra is a center of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, the body Dr. K. M. Munshi founded in 1938 to promote Indian culture, literature, music, dance and the fine arts. The Bengaluru Kendra started in 1965. Kala Bharathi is the Kendra's school of visual and performing arts. It teaches Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Carnatic and Hindustani vocal music, Veena, Tabla, Mridangam, Ghatam, Keyboard, Flute and drawing. Its diploma course in dance, drama and fine arts runs 5 years: 3 years junior and 2 years senior. External examiners hold the theory and practical examinations. The examinations lead to a certificate and are optional, so a student can also take a course as a hobby. Carnatic and Hindustani artists who have taught at Kala Bharathi include Vidwan T.A.S. Mani, Pandit Parameshwar Hegde, Vidwan M.T. Selvanarayana, Pandit Rajendra Nakod and Dr. R. Ganesh. Besides Kala Bharathi, the Kendra runs Yoga Bharathi, started in 2003, and Navarasa, an 8-month acting diploma started with WeMove Theatre in 2020. It also runs Jyothishya Bharathi, the Gandhi Institute of Computer Education and Information Technology, Bhavan's Film Society and 2 schools: Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan BBMP Public School and Bhavan's Bangalore Press School. In 2023 the Kendra marked 25 years of Infosys Foundation sponsorship for its cultural programs.