Keeping alive Tagore's music

Suratirtha: committed to fight assault on culture

'I began teaching Tagore's music on a small scale at my residence with a couple of students,' says Mita, adding that Suratirtha had its formal launch with Basanta Bandana, a tribute to Spring, in 1998.

Mita currently meets thrice a week with her 35 disciples in a school Aroni Vidyalaya in Dhanmondi. In these regular sessions, students also have classical lessons. 'Since classical is the base of all music, I believe that all students must have a good knowledge and practice of this genre,' she says. Anup Barua helps her in the classical lessons while Syed Sanaullah Sani accompanies the classes in tabla.

Apart from the regular classes, Suratirtha arranges monthly musical sessions performed by students in an informal gathering. 'We try to encourage and make the students confident in performing arts through these gatherings,' she adds.

Besides, Suratirtha stages performances in national and local programmes all round the year, celebrating monsoon, autumn and spring, and holds fairs on the anniversaries of Tagore.

'Suratirtha is now not only engaged in performing music, it has extended its programmes in cultural activities inspired by the philosophy of our Bangalee identity,' says Mita, explaining the motivation behind the school.

Suratirtha's students are firm supporters of the organisation and its chief, Mita. 'We have the opportunity to learn Tagore music accurately,' says Poppy who has been with the organisation from its inception, adding, 'I have also learnt how to give a melodious performance, bearing in mind the mood and theme of the song.'

Besides, the organisation has become like a family-meet. Poppy says, 'In addition to learning music, Suratirtha has made us committed citizens. Consequently, we are ready to stand and fight against any assault on our culture and nation.'

Piyal, another apprentice of Mita for the last 12 years, is also a firm supporter of the organisation and its founder. To quote him: 'Since music is a performing art, Mita apa also emphasises how to present a song. Apart from that, Suratirtha also participates in providing relief in disasters and organises social activities.'

Mita plans to set up another institution to promote the ideology of Tagore--most particularly his music--to help build a culturally rich nation. 'It is my dream and I will soon start work on the institution that would have a five-year course,' says an enthusiastic Mita.