Contrary to expectation it is not necessary that one’s passion should always be one’s profession. Both can run parallel with passion complementing one’s profession.
That is precisely the case with an Associate Professor of Philosophy in Ramjas College, Dr. Mausumi Bose, who is a seasoned hymn singer excelling in Rabindra Sangeet.
“Music gives me wellness so it complements my academic pursuit,” she says when asked about how she manages her academic pursuit and singing.
Mausumi recently performed at India Habitat Centre to a packed house. She feels music emanates from inner self giving her a sense of total completeness and is a way to connect with God. “My father and mother were great lovers of music and I have been exposed to different types of music,” says the singer.
Trained in Rabindra Sangeet from childhood, Mausumi took up classical music later in life. Talking about her classical training she said, “Classical singing is like mastering music which requires wide and extensive training. My Guru Sudhir Chandra is 86-years-old but still he trains me in this genre.” While discussing flexibility allowed to a classical music singer, she says this genre of music allows it in great measure to artists, especially vocalist enabling them to find their own range rather than confining to prescribed format. This allows an artist a wide range of spontaneous innovations giving scope for personal expression.
Pointing out a clear distinction between Rabindra Sangeet and classical music, she said the former is characterized by distinctive rendition and includes significant ornamentations.
“I have a family to take care of and can’t do riyaz everyday as I have domestic chores to attend. I try to devote four to five hours of riyaz every week,” she says.
Being a teacher of philosophy, she finds music itself a philosophy and says, “Music is in itself is a philosophical pursuit which makes my profession complete. Music is my love and I sing for myself, not for professional pursuit.”
