36 
IdentityThe domain of art is ever fascinating. People come to this field with the aspiration of attaining money, fame and self-satisfaction. This can be made possible only through excellent knowledge of art. Because it is only through knowledge that the genius have been able to prove themselves. This especially applies to areas that are performance related, like music, dance sports or painting. Excellent performance in such fields is not dependent on degrees, but on right knowledge and right knowledge can come only through a good teacher or a guru. This has been the rule of the world since eternity.
However, in this age of commercialization, education has become a status symbol. In such a scenario, ninety percent of the students today fail to choose the discipline of their choice, succumbing under societal pressure. A society that considers a degree as a prerequisite for a job or marriage will certainly fail to explain the presence of numerous unemployed, unmarried graduates! It merely shows the futility of joining the blind race of collecting degrees.
However, we are all social beings and hence cannot completely defy the norms of the society. Therefore, I firmly believe that though knowledge alone is sufficient to excel in the field of art, it is always better if one can complement it with a degree. In India, one can get good education in art along with a degree from any of the following institutes.
National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad
M S University of Baroda, Gujarat
College
