North Kolkata Calling !!

It was the first Congress President Umesh Ch. Banerjee who  gifted the Piano to his daughter Janaki Devi .The maker was the famous 'John Broadwood & Sons' of London.It reached  her in-laws house at Islampur and stayed there. The owners (Mazumdar)  sold the ancestral  house and moved to Kalyani. The piano,however, was left behind.At present it is owned by one Narayan Das. Prabir Krishna Mazumdar (grandson of Janaki Devi ) believes that The National Congress Party should take initiative to preserve it ! ( Source-ABP report dt.30/12/12) 

By Saibal Kr. Deb.         Email: allbengalmusic34@yahoo.com All Bengal Musical Conference's first session was held at Calcutta University Senate Hall in the year 1934 in the presence of Rabindra Nath Tagore.It was patronized by Nabab Bahadur of Murshidabad, Maharaja of Kashimbazar, Maharaja of Burdawan, Maharaja of Natore, Gouripur Raj & Birla family members etc. Legendary artists who performed :- (Vocal).Alladiya Khan, Abdul Karim Khan,Faiyaz Khan,Mustak Hussain Khan,Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, Kesribai,Girija Shankar Chakraborty, Bhismadev Chattopadhay,Sachin  Dev Burman,Tarapada Chakraborty, Amir Khan etc. (Nritya).Uday Shankar, Gopi Krishna, Birju Maharaj, Roshan Kumari, Damayanti Joshi,Shambu Maharaj, Jay Kumari etc. (Sangat: Tabla & Sarangi).Abid Hussain, Ahmad Jan Thirakwa,Kanthe  Maharaj, Parvat Singh,Hiru Ganguly, Anokhelal Misra,Samta Prashad, Alla Raka,Keramut Alla Khan,Kishan Maharaj,  Gopal Misra, Sagiruddin  Khan etc.    

While listening casually to a sarod recital broadcasting from Kolkata Radio  Station ( Puria Kallyan) today at 9pm-little did I think it was the legendary  Radhika Mohon Maitra ! After the announcement I was a little taken aback. Frankly -I never thought that it was he !! Why is this happening ?

Anjan Dutta successfully related his story-all the while- keeping the audience informed about the social and political unrest of the '70s.That environment of breaking  away from joint family, atmosphere of a bonedi bari, that particular strata of society with that 'english air' with piano, violin,guitar, whisky,St.Paul's Darjeeling etc-Wonder how many viewers could identify themselves with such life style during that period.Growing up in such background and going  against long standing family values was,indeed , a challenge!  A father's wish to see his son as barrister was not unusual.  The son's view of becoming an actor(especially from such  background) was indeed unusual !     

There was a time, when lovers of Indian Classical Music were too serious. In fact they chalked out their plans & programs and did their every homework preciously ! Such was a person named Anil Mitra, who lived at Balaram Ghosh Lane (Shyampukur).   He attended each and every  conferences that was held in Calcutta during those days. As far as the author could remember -Pdt. Ravishankar was quite amazed to find him before him at Manmothonath Ghosh's House at Pathuriaghata Street. Panditji remarked," Just now I found you listening me attentively at Chatu Babu Latu Babu's Thakurbari-And now you are here too? How did you attend two programs so quickly?" Pandt. Ravishankar at Chatu Babu Latu Babu's Thakurbari.

It was a clear winter morning when Mr.X left hotel.He found  a nearby stall  and ordered for a cup of tea.Soon he found the owner, strangely occupied in an unusual task. Every now and then he would remove the cap of a container,inspect for a while and put it back. Unable to control his curiosity Mr.X asked,  "Is there anything special there?" "Only sugar,Sir-doctor's advice to check it regularly !"  

He was quite upset and weariness overpowered him. He felt no interest in life and was a regular prey to depression. His health, his work at office, his appetite -all suffered. Finally he decided to consult a doctor.The doctor,after listening patiently for a while,got busy prescribing 2 sleeping pills per day.   "Sorry doctor, I can't take 2 pills per day-you know I have work to do !"  "That's for your wife !" said the doctor.

Mothers become ferocious beasts whenever their children  encounters the slightest of discomfiture.Fathers-as mentioned by Chetan Bhagat in 2 States -prefers to play an unknown and unimportant(even repulsive) role in such affairs.Children from  their very childhood understands the predicament and quickly take side with their mother. This reminds me of a joke I have recently heard-here it is :- A friend meets a friend after a long time. "So you are married and leading a happy family life?" "Sorry, not yet." Fact was ,that his mother rejected all the girls he introduced. The friend advised him to place a girl who resembled his mother in several ways. After few months- "So how is life? Hope my advice worked?" "Yes." "So happy and at the top of the world ?" "Not exactly..ahmm ..my father doesn't like my wife !"

Walmart's Rs125 crore spent for Lobbying US Lawmakers is perhaps a healthy and a normal practice there. The result, however,could be far fetched-inclusive of providing larger  access for  investment in Indian Market ! But the same act will be considered as 'Corruption' in India. If true-why the difference? 

This time it will be Dr.Graham's Homes turn to welcome the arrival of Christmas to our city-Calcutta. Wonder how many Calcuttans would miss the opportunity  to witness the performance of 65 Homes students at La Martiniere for Boys & St.Paul's Cathedral this weekend ! 

Did anything like this happen before ? Eden Gardens is well known  for its large gatherings-supporting the home team.Who could forget how Tony Lewis reacted during his presence at Eden Gardens. This time however a reverse picture was noticed during the India- England Match. Home team supporters outnumbered by the visiting team's supporters ! Becky Fairlie-Clark, Nicky Cane(surgeon & flag worshipper),Jean Ashcroft(enthusiastic score recorder),Billy Cooper & Deco Hewitt  (Barmy Army foot soldiers) etc trumpeted all through - giving strong support to their team. Hence who could stop England from winning ?

Tiger tiger everywhere but none to be seen! In fact Suderban  is their area and it would be better if they are left in peace. A recent verdict by Supreme Court would perhaps allow tourists to enter the very core area which was probably marked for them. However, as Pranabesh Sanyal, said in a radio interview- that area too has been minimized to around 20% of the declared core area ! Wonder what will be the consequence !! Better to raise tigers at zoo and later released at forest. Difficult? Of course it is !!!  But not impossible.

He was never a recognized poet. Never did he made any attempt to publish a poem in any written form.Yet how remarkably and how superfluously and how effortlessly he expressed any given situation in his own poetic way.And if ever there was a topic encompassing the word 'Beauty' he was simply superb and unstoppable ! It was impossible for us to be indifferent whenever he preferred to paint a a romantic picture with his brush of words in a mere empty canvas. Oh ! How we miss him !!

 Nowadays, it seems impossible to create history in literary world ! The death of a popular  bengali writer during the Duga Puja ,possibly has much to reveal !! A reaction....an expectation not fully fulfilled. Wonder what reaction the literary world holds for the departed soul ?

People flocked around to watch the remarkable fireworks at Chatu Babu's Bazar. It was a date for most Calcuttans whose long association with this traditional fireworks almost became a passion. Begun by two brothers( better known as Chatu Babu & Latu Babu) more than 180 years ago -it continued till a few  years back. Many eminent personalities including foreign tourists witnessed it during Kali Puja. Wonder if this wonderful Old Calcutta tradition could be revived with more light & lesser sound ! 

Org: Saibal Deb & Mausam Deb 

Whenever the history of Calcutta is discussed, something new emerges. Usually serious historians becomes rather sceptical when attending such seminars.They probably disbelieve anything published or discussed recentely.   Hence it will be interesting to hear what P.T.Nair or Avik Roy says at Sutanuti Parishad on 6th October'12 at Sovabazar Nat Mandir at 6pm regarding the said subject. There will also be a cultural program in Bengal's Folk Songs. Posted by : Saibal Kr. Deb.

The puja begun by Ramdoolal De (Deb).. around 1780. It still continues at the same building with pomp and splendour.On the Ostumi Day all family members, along with their relatives and friends, enjoy the Maha  Bhog together at the ancestral Thakurbari, built by Ramdulal De(Deb). A music adda (mainly Classical Music) is also held at Chatu Babu's House  at  Beadon Street by Saibal & Mausam Deb. It is said that Chatu Babu was the first bengali sitarist who took his lessons from Raza Khan a descendant  of Tansen . Chatu Babu and Latu Babu were sons of Ramdoolal De(Deb). It may be noted that Ramdoolal Sarkar, Ramdoolal De or Radulal Dey is the same person.He is known for his  pioneering job in building up Indo-American  Trade Relation.                                         

Finally J.K.Rowling takes that plunge ! It was not unexpected after spending five years without Harry Potters and she (in the meanwhile) becoming more matured with passing years.She is at present probably 47  years old, the ripe age to get herself moving into more serious business in the adult world. Probably that's the reason for keeping a low profile at present !

What is the decibel limit for sound in a house where several families, including heart patients, live together ? Wonder how long could a heart patient survive with a loud band being played at the very next room !! Who will be held responsible if the patient dies ? IS ANYONE LISTENING ?

One should not be surprised if one happens to find foreigners mingling with our poor farmers & doing what they have been doing for centuries. Ploughing fields, milking cows, fetching water from wells, kneading dough, making chapatis with desi ghee And eating, drinking and living with them. In fact this, exactly, is what is happening in Rajastan  where farmers are only too happy to have foreigners   as their guests. Of course this craze has boosted their income!

Whoever is engaged in Equity Trading,  most often faces  the question which is remotely connected to Gambling. Equity Trading (short term ) is , of course , related to  Gambling since the Luck factor plays a very important role. It is said that only informed brokers & their clients make a kill out of such transactions.. Hence , if Facebook decides to operate a Gambling session -what difference will it make ?

Does  Comments on  Facebook really serve any purpose ? It might probably boost someone's ego or maybe his pride. It might even serve the purpose of consoling oneself that there is a friend who share his feelings. Another purpose of such Comments maybe purely  for its  commercial usage or gain. Whatever maybe the reason -but it might become a Pride for someone whose Comment gets a recognition. Maybe the BEST COMMENT PRIZE !!  Wonder if Facebook already has !!!

Will be interesting to know the Captain's name in the American ship John Jay, which probably sailed towards India around 1794. Owners probably were Ives,Browns & Benson. Who was the captain Olney or Samuel ?

The greatest difference between man and animal is that man can dream. It is through dreams that he could bring  his hopes and desires to splendid realization. Henceforth he could always venture into new life and with his indo- mitable spirit fulfill the vision he has perceived.  Every human being possess a Philosopher's Stone (the creative mind) which, if used with proper knowledge & guidance, could turn   ordinary stones into gold !!      

Who could forget how Kapil Dev made the Indians proud by winning the first World Cup in 1983? It was hockey -hockey and hockey till then-from where Indians got their identity. A friend who lived in London during that time related the sentiments of Londoners-" Does India play cricket too?" In this respect a North Calcutta musician Saibal Deb produced a cassette "Navaratna" praising Kapil Dev for his achievement ! The said cassette was sent to Mr.Dev who gladfully accepted !

It sounds rather awkward-to some extent even amusing-when someone asks a retired person to explain his activity. Especially to a person who has married away his children to respectable families and consider them well settled with full dignity and ,of course, financial & social securities. The frequently asked question circulates around 'how do you spend your time?' Well, here is an attempt to give a brief description of Mr. Blog's daily activity which might, finally ,do  justice to the above question. Mr.Blog gets up early in the morning, have a cup of hot tea and settles down with his laptop for an hour.It is all about surveying Market and finding out various company's business trends. Next he takes a morning walk which includes a bit of interacting with friends and acquaintances. Of course, a visit to a nearby market  to buy some daily requirements,is always a possibility. Back at home Mr. Blog takes ano

A report by Anasuya Basu which appeared in The Telegraph (Metro 6th August 2012)-mentions "thakurbari that Ramdulal De Sarkar built" The name will be Ramdoolal Dey and not Ramdulal De Sarkar. In this respect  a book written by Girish Ghosh (Ramdoolal Dey-The Bengalee Millionaire) may be consulted ! However thanks to The Telegraph for arranging TT30 Explore Calcutta tour.It will reveal another unseen part of Calcutta's Heritage -which seldom gets highlighted ! 

It is indeed commendable that Mr. A. N Sharma sincerely  tried  to throw some light on first known recordings of Indian Music. It is very unfortunate that 'Vande Mataram ' recorded by 'Swadeshi Binapani Records' was never released-as Mr.Sharma mentioned. It is high time that someone should dig further and reveal the history of the first two decades of Indian Music Industry !

Could we call it a house that shaped the early history of Calcutta ?

Old Calcutta Musical  Society ! Still supporting young Artists to bloom in the world of Indian Classical Music ! Saibal Kr. Deb Mausam Deb

A platform for young artists pursuing Indian Classical Music. Saibal Kr. Deb (Secretary)         Few Programmes & Workshops Mausam Deb (Convenor) Dhrupad- Prof. Arun Bhattacharjee. Pakwaj-Apurba Lal Manna Kathak- Amita Dutt Kathak- Bidisha Auddy  Sitar- Ramudar Bhattacharya. Tabla-Mausam Deb   Sitar- Ramprapanna Bhattacharya. Tabla-Arindam Chakraborty Vocal- Archi Deb. Tabla-Sandip Chakraborty Vocal- Surela Deb (Ghosh), Tabla-Dibyendu Bhattacharjee Sitar-Subhranil Sarkar. Tabla-Abhijeet Ghosh       Sitar-Saptarshi Hazra. Tabla-Abhijeet Ghosh Vocal-Saunak Chattopadhyay. Tabla-Arindam Chakraborty    Vocal- Mitali Sengupta. Tabla-Bivash Sanghai Kathak Anurekha Ghosh   Sitar- Sujoy Bose. Tabla-Arindam Chakraborty Adrija Pal                                                         Sujoy Basu-Sitar.Ujjal Chakraborty-Tabla.

Till now- we think it is wise to take higher education simply for the reason that it will be rewarding. At present rewarding means Monetary Gains ! Unfortunately employers who provide jobs might think otherwise.  For them Business Gains could outdo educational importance !! Profit could be/ and always was The primary target of business !!!  Education or no education !!

 Are they still in business ?

It is interesting to note that young bloods  repeatedly avoid such gatherings. Whether in India or America? Wonder why ? What is their interest ? Certainly not Nostalgia ? Let us . however , expect that the presence of  Bengal's Finance Minister will bear fruit-  & create adequate awareness and interest among the Bengali society there !!

Wonder what will happen to the bottle of Champagne which a physicist found in his US office. It was meant  to be used for celebration in case the result declared- favours what Higgs presumed 48 years ago. Indians -especially we North Calcuttans-could feel proud since it was Satyendra Nath Bose ( who lived in North Calcutta) in whose name the elementary Particle of Boson is named. In fact the name Boson came from Bose !!

The present trend is to create a 2nd Campus for almost all renowned Institutions. Institutions that have historical records. Reputed Institutions , just to reach out to the multitudes & maybe for commercial reasons, are eager to extend their arms and embrace all !! The main reason for this is their reputations -  gained through years and  years of perseverance & hard work. Perhaps the the renowned Rajbaris too will suffer equal fates !   

Although, unbelievable, yet it is true that most of us at time feel sorry for ourselves. This often happens when dark clouds surround us and we see no hope of escape from its clutches in the near future. It is equally true that these moods change and we soon forget the so called hopefulness that threatened our every ray of hopes. After all the Sun is always there and the dark spell sooner or later vanishes in thin air as it comes out and shows a bright day right ahead. And so it is -the darkness that seems eternal is very deceiving and seldom allows one to see the hidden ray -that must-I repeat- that must be there  and all the time waiting for us to simply embrace it !!  THIS FOR THOSE WHO GIVE UP HOPE EASILY.

RATH MELA AT BEADON STREET NEAR CHATU BABU'S BAZAR 

Justice Shyamal Sen has shown the required courage to state that he took the decision all alone and was not biased by those who have interest in the matter. Wipro Chairman Premji was probably correct in saying that India , at present , has no leader. Wonder if leaders could come forward by showing such single handed courage -as shown by Jst. Sen !!!

After watching the film Bhuter Bhabishwatyat I suddenly remembered a long forgotten story -heard from one of my friends. It was like this:- A young man who belonged to a Zamindar family, took his friends to visit his nearly abandoned ancestor's Palace near Murshidabad. It was, of course, not in good shape as it used to be before the abolition of Zamindari. There was a big portrait at the center of the large corridor-it was the portrait of his great grandfather -with a big mustache and a stern Royal look. This young man ,actually, previously decided to play pranks with his three friends , who accompanied him. His idea was to tell them a cock and bull story and create an environment of suspense. He told a thrilling story about the man in the portrait and finally ended up -giving an impression that his ghost is sometime seen walking along the corridor at midnight. To make his plan successful he conspired with the caretaker-who

If one happens to go through the streets of Calcutta one could not miss the 'ear polluting' languages spoken openly by its people. Who could blame the city for  its  once rich cultural background ? Why should the city get a bad name for few unaware people ? The fact remains that Calcuttans are forced to bear with this everyday. It is more painful when you have your  family -especially ladies & children-along with you ! Most people are getting used to hearing such languages -trying hard to look the other way or trying to be just indifferent. It is more painful when you have to bear with it while watching a TV or a film show ! I have watched Bhuter Bhabishyat which was perfect in every sphere. Somebody should have done this 30 years ago and much Heritage Buildings could have been saved. But -as I was saying-the film could have been unique without using those unwanted "street languages" Wonder if

The dawn breaks... A new beginning...between two countries.. A new relation... In trade commerce culture & Friendship ! Lyric & Music : Saibal Kr. Deb

It is very unfortunate that Meow, the fattest American tabby in the world died when his 87 years owner decided to send him to shelter.    He was repeatedly exhibited in various TV  programs and ,of course, in Facebook and hence became the most popular cat ever known.He was put on strict diet at the shelter and lost at least a Kg within a short span. Was this responsible for the demise of this famous cat ? 

Ferrari is perhaps the most enviable & fashionable sports car but when compared to Heritage-it might be just another car. Hence China was wounded when a Ferrari left tracks on the Zhonghua Gate's brick structure while performing 'drifts' to showcase the car !

We all welcome Mrs. Hillary Clinton in our city Calcutta (Kolkata) !  It was nice to know that she was keeping a date with history while visiting Victoria Memorial. With her inquiring mind she came to know a lot and didn't hesitate to express her feelings in the record book. Perhaps she would be interested to know that one Ramdoolal De lived in this city, who practically pioneered the Indo-American Trade Relation .His house at Beadon Street ( which is well maintained )still  attracts a lot of American visitors,especially when Durga Puja, which he started, is held ! Post by :- Saibal & Mausam Deb (descendants) 

Sutanuti Parishad presented Malhar Utsav 2012 on26th & 27th April 2012 at Sovabazar Natmandir .  Program :- 26th April :Group Dance-Nrityadham, Bhilai. Kathak Dance-Amrita Bandopadhaya. 'Bharatnatyam Katha' by artists of Nrityadham,choreography by Guru Rakhi Roy.  CD release of 'Traditional Folk of Bengal'- Lili Das.  Co -Artists-Bole Paran-Guru Ramprasad Chattapadhaya. Tabla-Subir Thakur. Vocal-Pratip Banerjee. Sitar-Sandip  Neogi.  27th April : Group Dance-Manipuri Nartanalaya by Guru Kalabati &Vimbabati Devi. Sitar by Soumyajit Paul. Violin by Delhi R. Sridhar. Co-Artists-Mridangam-N.Shankar. Tabla-Prasad Mukherjee. Award given to:- Gandharva Award :  Pt.Manilal Nag, Ustd. Maskoor Ali Khan,Pt.Sanjay Mukherjee. Rashratna   "          : Guru Sankarnarayan, Guru Srilekha Mukherjee, Guru Kalabati                                Devi, Guru Rakhi Roy. Bhorot         "         : Mr.Sandip Roy & Mrs Papiya Adhikari.

Bengali year ending is still celebrated through CHARAK UTSAV & MELA at Beadon Street in North Calcutta.This tradition has been going on for more than 200 years & people of Kolkata & many foreigners take great interest in witnessing Sanyasis swinging round & round the Charak Tree. After a month long fasting they offer prayer to Lord Mahadev. They go through a lot of hardship which includes jumping from a height of 15 to 20ft bamboo structures to sharp knives (Bonti )& other harmful materials. This happens at Chatu Babu's Bazar. On Poila Baishak they finally sit down for a sumptuous lunch at Chatu Babu's Thakurbari which marks the ending of their fasting month. It was probably in this Charak Mela where Swami Vivekananda held a running horse when it went berserk ! After all Swamiji lived nearby & could have attended this Chaitra Sankranti Mela !