“By spreading Indian classical music to the people, we just may be able to control the growing intolerance among the youth and divert them towards a peaceful mindset,” said santoor maestro Pandit Tarun Bhattacharya during a day-long workshop in Kolkata on Friday. Photo and text: Arunangsu Roy Chowdhury
Santoor, a folk instrument, originated from the Middle East and is now popular in the Kashmir valley. Similar instruments are found elsewhere - such as the Hammered Dulcimer in the United States and the Yang Chin in China. Photo and text: Arunangsu Roy Chowdhury
Born into family of musicians, Pandit Tarun Bhattacharya underwent early training from his father Rabi Bhattacharya and later went to Pandit Dulal Roy in Kolkata. Photo and text: Arunangsu Roy Chowdhury
Pandit Tarun Bhattacharya from the famous Mahiar Gharana who is credited with innovations on the santoor, feels that classical music should not be confined only to connoisseurs. Photo and text: Arunangsu Roy Chowdhury
The santoor pandit feels that the government ought to take initiatives to include classical music as a compulsory subject at the school level. He said, “It would not only help to spread our culture, but also generate employment opportunities for many youngsters.” Photo and text: Arunangsu Roy Chowdhury
The maestro believes in the positive vibrations of music. Interestingly, he feels that more encouragement and recognition of tribal artists and their music in tribal regions could perhaps pave the way for making peace in even the Maoist problems. Peace across society can prevail through more exposure to the arts. Photo and text: Arunangsu Roy Chowdhury
