Rate My Professor Nilesh Khalikar

Nilesh Shrikantrao Khalikar is an Assistant Professor and Head of the Department of Music at Indira College of Arts, Commerce and Science (ICACS) in Pune. He holds an M.A. in Music, NET qualification, B.Ed., Sangeet Alankaar, and is registered for a Ph.D. With 12 years of teaching experience and 5 years of administrative experience, his academic interests include performing Khayal music, Merukhand techniques, and the study of ancient Sanskrit granthas related to musicology. Khalikar has produced two publications in his discipline. He has received the Devgandharva Bhaskarrao Bakhle Young Singer Award and the Datta Marulkar Gold Medal from the University of Pune. In 2024, he was awarded the Outstanding Faculty in Music at the Pune Leadership Awards by the Indira Group of Institutes, held at Vivanta Hinjewadi, Pune, in recognition of his contributions to education.

At ICACS, Khalikar serves as a member of the Students Grievance Redressal Committee. He actively promotes musical education and performance by organizing national-level events such as Sangeet Sarita 2024, a music competition and festival for 11th and 12th grade students. The event, conducted on October 17, 2024, at the Samanvay Building, Indira Unity Campus, Tathawade, Pune, included categories for vocal performances in Abhang, Thumri, Natyageet, Bhavgeet, Hindi film songs, and group patriotic songs; instrumental performances on Tabla, Pakhavaj, Guitar, Synth, Sitar, Violin, Flute, and Harmonium; and dance forms like Kathak, Bharatanatyam, and group dances. Featuring guest performers Anjali Gaikwad and Nandini Gaikwad from Indian Idol, the competition offered cash prizes of Rs. 10,000, Rs. 5,000, Rs. 3,000, and Rs. 1,000 for top positions, along with trophies and certificates for all participants. Through these efforts, Khalikar enhances the cultural landscape at ICACS.