The Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) has approved a specialised training programme in Sitar Maintenance and Servicing, to be delivered by the Mahatma Gandhi Institute (MGI) for a cohort of 15 participants.
The programme aims to equip aspiring Sitar technicians with the specialist knowledge and practical skills required to diagnose faults and maintain and service the instrument.
The objectives of the programme are to:
• train participants to diagnose structural and tonal defects specific to the Sitar;
• develop proficiency in the safe use of specialised tools, including files, chisels and polishing devices;
• provide an understanding of the Jawari technique (bridge filing) and its critical role in producing an authentic Sitar tone; and
• enable participants to undertake fret re-tying (Pardas), string replacement and frequency tuning.
Upon completion of the programme, participants will be able to:
• Conduct a comprehensive anatomical inspection of a Sitar—including the Tabli, Tumba, bridge, frets and strings—and prepare a diagnostic report.
• Handle and use specialised servicing tools safely and correctly to restore a Sitar to playing condition.
• Perform Jawari filing on the main bridge to achieve the desired tonal characteristics.
• Re-tie Pardas (frets), replace strings and tune the instrument to specified frequencies.
The course will be delivered by the MGI with the support of a foreign resource person, and is expected to begin in November 2026. This project falls under the HRDC’s Sectoral Committee for Arts and Culture & Creative Industries.