Shurer Dhara: Like an extended family

Students of Shurer Dhara perform at an annual function

At the helm of Shurer Dhara is its founder, noted Tagore singer Rezwana Choudhury Bonnya. "Music can be assimilated only by a close relationship between the teacher and the learner. I wanted to impart this ideology among the learners here, just as I was initiated by my Guru, the legendary Tagore singer Konika Bandopaddhay," says Bonnya. "I started the school at my residence with a couple of students. After a few months we shifted to Lalmatia Girls School," she adds.

Shurer Dhara offers a three-year children's course and a five-year diploma course. The session starts from Baishakh, the Bangla New Year. The classes run thrice a week. In the course, students practice Atul Prasad, DL Roy and Rajanikanta, apart from Tagore songs.

"Since the classical element is the base of all music, I believe that all students need a good knowledge and practice of this genre of music. That is why we lay emphasis on it," says Bonnya.

Apart from the regular classes, Shurer Dhara arranges yearly musical programmes. So far, the students have performed dance dramas such as Kal Mrigaya, Chitrangada, Balmiki Prativa, Mayar Khela and Chandalika. "We have plans to perform Tasher Desh this year", says Bonna.

Besides, Shurer Dhara stages performances in national and local programmes all round the year, celebrating monsoon, autumn and spring.

The students of Shurer Dhara feel that the environment of the institution resembles a family.

"Shurer Dhara is not only engaged in performing music, it has extended its programmes in cultural activities inspired by the philosophy of Tagore," says Bonnya. Her plan is to set up an institution to promote the ideology of Tagore--most particularly his music. "It's my dream," says an enthusiastic Bonnya.