Education

1938 - 1941

1st Guru in Music: Keshavrao Bhosle Master, Jalgaon — Basic training in Indian Classical Vocal Music

My formal music training started when I was 4 years old. I learned 6 to 8 Raag's, basic taals, and many classical compositions. I also began to play the Harmonium on my own. I also learned how to play Dilruba and Bulbultarang. One day, our Guru took us to see the legend Bal Gandharva as my elder sister Lata was acting with him in a play at the time. He was nice to us and gave us Kande Pohe.

Jun 1941 - Jun 1947

Jaykar English School, Near Dadar Stn. West — Primary School till 4th Std

I went to an English Medium School. It was one of the few non-convent schools at that time. I do remember that a Parsi lady was our class teacher. We learned all the prayers in English. When I was in school, Mrs. Jaykar was the principal. I was 13 years old when I finished my 4th class.

Jun 1948 - Oct 1949

South Indian Welfare School, Matunga West near King Circle — 5th to 7th (Matriculation 1st term)

Since my father was also a teacher, I had a scholarship. All my fellow students and faculty were Tamil. I took "Additional English" as my second language. But I also learned how to read, write, and speak Tamil. I learned many Tamil devotional songs.

Oct 1949 - Mar 1950

Saraswati Vidyalaya Union, Somwar Peth, Pune — 2nd Term of Matriculation

I also moved to this school because of my father's transfer.

Jun 1950 - Jun 1951

Harkishandas Hospital, Opposite Prarthana Samaj, between Grant Road and Charni Road — Degree in Nursing, Bombay Provincial Nursing Association (BPNA)

I left nursing after one year because I needed to study more in college. It would have taken me 5 years to complete this course. I was giving nursing services, such as enemas & massages, giving medicines & injections to patients, feeding meals to the elderly, and so on. I was earning a stipend of Rs. 90/month, so I didn't have to pay the fees even if I spent 5 years in college.

With my room partner, in November 1950.

1951 - 1952

Laxmi Institute, Dadar East — Diploma in Shorthand Typing

I decided to work on my typing skills after leaving nursing. At shorthand typing, I reached the speed of 45 wpm quickly. Through this institute, I found a job opening at the office of the famous filmmaker Guru Dutt. I dared to apply immediately, without waiting for any recommendation letter. And I was chosen!

1951 - 1952

2nd Guru in Music: Smt. Vasundhara Shrikhande-Komakali, Shivaji Park — Indian Classical vocal music training

During this time, I started preparing for the 1st exam of Gandharv Mahavidyalaya under the guidance of Smt. Vasundhara Shrikhande, disciple and wife of music legend Kumar Gandharva. The curriculum was based on Prof. B. R. Deodhar's books. I could directly sit for the 3rd exam because of music training in my childhood. (Out of 7 required to get a degree named "Sangeet Visharad," similar to a Graduation in Music.)

Jun 1952 - Apr 1956

Siddharth College, Flora Fountain, Churchgate — B.A. in English Literature

I was accepted to Siddharth college, founded by Bharat Ratna B.R. Ambedkar. I wanted to study English literature. Most of the time, I took a train from Dadar to Churchgate to attend my lectures at 7:30 am. Usually, my classes were done by 10:00 am, and I would rush to my office at Ballard Pier by 10:30 am.

At that time, I was a stenographer and clerk at MMD (Mercantile Marine Department). My work closely revolved around shipping. This job supported my studies greatly, as I worked there full-time till 5 pm.

While I obtained a degree in English Literature, I also studied subjects like Sanskrit, Economics, and Indian & Western philosophy. Though Marathi was not my subject, I used to sit for lectures by literary giants like Shanta Shelke & Anant Kanekar. We often hung out at Rajabai Tower, and we would sit for our studies there.

Ten Days in May 1972

Unknown Organization, Near Gokhale Wadi — Civil Defense Training Course

On my 38th birthday, I enrolled in this 10-day course. Though it was only for ten days, I always felt it was essential to learn to defend myself and save people during natural calamities like earthquakes, fire, etc.

1975 - 1979

3rd Guru in Music: Shri Krishna Dasakkar, Dombivali East — Sangeet Visharad in Indian Classical Vocal Music

At age 41, after my marriage, I formally resumed my music training under Mr. Dasakkar. I passed the required 7 exams to become "Sangeet Visharad" in the next 4 years. And I became a graduate of Indian classical music! It takes a lifetime to master this art, so I was fortunate to complete 7 exams in 5 years. I believe my childhood training in music and playing instruments like the Harmonium helped me understand and comprehend complex training in music at that time.

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