| The premier academy Kalamandalam was started by Padmabhooshan Vallathol Narayana Menon [ Mahakavi Vallathol] in 1930. He had before him models set by Rabindranath Tagore, the Shantiniketan in 1902 and Kalakshetra by Rukmini Devi Arundale in 1927. It was his dream to transform the institution into a university. The proposal for a university of deemed status was put forward during the tenure of O.N.V. Kurup as chairman of Kalamandalam (1996-2001).After lot of discussion and debate, Kalamandalam has attained the  status of Deemed University and Dr. K.G Paulose took charge as the first Vice-Chancellor of the Kalamandalam Deemed University of Art and Culture on June 18, 2007. The main challenges in front of him are how to preserve traditional guru kula sampradaya and old traditional art forms and also how to imbibe the new spirit of modernity.
In an interview to Sreeni K.R, Dr. K.G Paulose spoke at length on the problems and prospects of his job.
1. When did you take charge as the Vice-Chancellor of the Kalamandalam Deemed University of Art and Culture?
I took charge on June 18, 2007 as the Vice-Chancellor of the Kalamandalam Deemed University of Art and Culture.
2.What are the new challenges in front of you?
The main challenges in front of me are how to preserve the traditional guru kula sampradaya and also how to preserve old traditional art forms. At the same time I want to imbibe the new spirit of modernity .This can only be done by introducing modern subjects like aesthetics, comparative studies and classical texts. What we require is a harmonic blood of merits in both the systems. 3.Briefly describe the institution of Kerala Kalamandalam?
Kalamandalam was started by Padmabhooshan Vallathol Narayana Menon [ Mahakavi Vallathol] in 1930.  He had before him models set by Rabindranath Tagore, the Shantiniketan in 1902 and Kalakshetra by Rukmini Devi Arundale in 1927.By the end of the 19th century; the Indians began to search their identity against their colonial masters. In the late nineteenth century, Malayalee society, the project of social reforming was caught up in the concern to evolve an alternative to the established Jati-based mode of ordering human beings. Kalamandalam thus acts as the part of this nascent movement of Kerala as well as for political unity. Now Kalamandalam offers courses in 40 disciplines of various art forms like Kathakali, Mohiniyattom, Koodiyattom, etc. Instruction is imparted in the Gurukulam in the traditional way. Degree and P.G Courses have been started in Classical art forms. Facilities for research-MPhil and PhD-are also available. Practical classes with training in Kalari along with higher studies and research are now introduced in the new syllabus. 4. Is it possible to blend the guru kula sampradaya followed by Kalamandalam with the new system of university education?
Yes it is possible to blend the guru kula sampradaya followed by Kalamandalam with the new system of university education. I will give you a few examples. Training in Kalari for students start early morning by 4.30 A.M and continues for hours. Afternoon time is generally allocated for theory classes. Again evening time is given for practice. In this way both systems go hand in hand. It is the same with every other traditional art form. There is no problem in blending both of them together. 5.Is the UGC becoming a hurdle for performing artists once they want to choose teaching as their career? UGC doesn’t become a hurdle for performing artists. Actually it is a blessing in case of performing artists. Artists get more opportunity to learn and explore themselves.
6. Which traditional course are you planning to introduce in the coming years?
P.G Courses in Kathakali, Mohiniyattom and Koodiyattom. Other P.G courses will be announced in the coming months. 7. What changes do you want to bring about in the existing system?
 More P.G courses need to be started in new disciplines. Apart from that we are planning to introduce new subjects like Cultural Journalism, Mass Communication and Multimedia Studies which will go a long way in popularizing classical art forms.
8. You have worked in various capacities before joining as the registrar of Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, Kalady? Share your experience? I have worked at various levels. I have worked as principal of Sanskrit College, Tripunithura, Syndicate member of Mahatma Gandhi University and then as Registrar of Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, Kalady. All these are academic as well as administrative posts. Experiences gained through these posts have enriched me to understand the two different universities whose common aim is to promote all the traditional art forms. I find it as an asset on my part.
9. Which are your major works? · In Malayalam · Koodiyattom Abhinayam Thudarchayum Valarchayum. · Koodiyattom Puthia Mukhom. · In English: · Introduction to Koodiyattom. · Innovation in Ancient Theater. · Bhima in search of celestial flowers. 10. From your personal dairy, you have published the work on the origin and evolution of Sanskrit theatre with particular reference to Koodiyattom? Which is the book?
 The name of the book is ‘Kodiyattom Theater, earliest Theater’. The book gives in detail the history of Theater beginning from Natyashastra and its various manifestations in regional forms. Koodiyattom is one such form drawn from the national pattern but different in content form. It is an art form autonomous in itself. The book histories the process of evolution of national theater and fixes Koodiyattom in its context. The relevance of Koodiyattom today and its future are discussed in detail.
11. How do you feel as the first Vice-Chancellor of the Kalamandalam Deemed University of Art and Culture?
I feel honored that such a great responsibility is entrusted on me as the architect of the new university. At the same time I am aware of the heavy responsibility in front of me. But I am confident that the rich experience gained in administration matters and my close relationship with artists and art forms will help me to fulfill my duties in all capacities and as the first Vice-Chancellor of the Kalamandalam Deemed University of Art and Culture. | 
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