Sri Narayan Debnath - Padmashri
Bangabibhushan Narayan Debnath (born 21 November 1925) is a comic artist, writer, and illustrator. Introducing one of the most eminent personality of all times amongst the Nath is like introducing Victoria Memorial to the people of Kolkata. He is the first and only Comics-Artist in India who has received a D. Litt. degree.
Narayan Debnath was born and spent most of his life living in Shibpur, Howrah, India. His family hailed from Bikrampur in what is now in Bangladesh but had migrated to Shibpur before his birth. Born in a family of jewellers he was deeply inclined in designing patterns for jewellery. He studied fire arts in Indian Art College and later turned into a freelancer and worked in designing advertisements, movie slides and logos. In 1950 he associated with famous publishing house Dev Sahitya Kutir and illustrated several children’s books including adventure novels and Western classics in translation. His journey in comics started in 1962 with ‘Handa-Bhonda’ in the popular Bengali monthly magazine Shuktara.
Very few exists in Bengal, who are not familiar with the Bengali cartoon characters “Handa Bhoda”, “Nante Fonte” and “Batool the great”. His other creations like Rabi Chobi were published to celebrate the birth centenary of Rabindranath Tagore in the May 1961 issue of the weekly magazine Anandamela and Rajar Raja (published in 1962) was illustrated by Narayan Debnath (written by Bimal Ghosh) to celebrate the birth centenary of Swami Vivekananda. A few of his other famous work are Chitre Durgesh Nandini, Chobite Vivekananda, Chhatrapati Shivaji, Indrajit Ray o Black Diamond, Rahashyamay Abhijatri, Sutki mutki & Daanpite Khadu Aar Tar Chemical Dadu.
Shri Narayan Debnath is honoured for his work by various Govt and Non-Government agencies and received several commendations. Most notable of these awards are President’s Special Recognition Award (2007), Sahitya Akademi (2013), Banga Bibhushan (2013), D. Litt. by Rabindra Bharati University (2015).
Dr. Sankar Kumar Nath
Rabindra puroskar winning Oncologist Dr Sankar Kumar Nath is a multi-talented genius and a pride of the Nath Yogi community. One of the finest orators he can be often be seen delivering his expertise on oncology on Doordarshan and other top rated TV Channels. Although a medico by profession Dr Nath have excelled in anything that he pursued as a hobby – may it be vocal music, painting, writing or astronomy. The number of awards and accolades he bagged in his journey of excellence speak volumes.
He was born on the 1st of January 1950 at Taltala, Kolkata. His father was Late Taraknath Nath a lawyer by profession and mother was Late Monorama Devi. Dr Nath got his MBBS degree from Kolkata Medical college in 1975 and DMRD degree from Kolkata university in 1980. As a Doctor he rendered his services in various Medical colleges in West Bengal namely Calcutta Medical College, Bankura Sammilani Medical college, and R.G. Kar Medical College. Post his retirement he renders free service at Oncolink and at Rishra Seva Sadan. He is also a guest lecturer at Academic Staff College of Calcutta University, Jadavpur University and Burdwan University.
An excellent singer Dr Nath had the honor of being the disciple of the yesteryear’s maestros and legendary singers like Manna Dey, Sagiruddin Khan, Sudhanshu Sekhar Nath and Pandit Ranen Das Matilal. He also was the Music Director of Documentary film “Rashtraguru” and “Khola Janala”.
Dr Nath took painting lessons from the famous Chuni Biswas and Khishan Lal Ghose and his oil paintings decorates the walls of at least 40 Govt and Non Govt institutions in West Bengal the latest one being the portrait of Surendra Nath Bandyopadhyay unveiled in the WB Legislative Assembly. Dr Nath is also an amateur astronomer and secretary of the Sky Viewers club.
Dr Nath has written innumerable poems, short stories, one acts and dramas and is the President of the Vidyasagar Charcha and Gabeshana Kendra and member of the Vidyasagar Krishti Parishad.
Out of the numerous awards he received the most prestigious is Rabindra puroskar in Science from Govt of West Bengal. Kriti Bangan Santan (Shovabazar Rajbari) , Excellence in Science award (Govt of WB) ,Chikitsa Jyoti Samman are a few other notable ones.
Dr. Pubali Debnath
Pubali Debnath an ardent follower of Kobiguru Rabindra Nath Thakur, is the daughter of renowned Doctor Dr. Jaladhar Debnath of Dumdum, Kolkata. She was introduced to the music at an early age by her mother. She took to regular lessons of Rabindra-sangeet from her mentors Dr. Sailen Das, and – Smt. Maya Sen both eminent maestros and exponent of Rabindra-sangeet. She also learnt Classical form of songs from Shri Rajat Moitra.
After completing her graduation from a local College, Pubali enrolled herself with the Rabindra Bharati University to pursue her master’s degree in Rabindra-sangeet. During her studies, she actively participated in many seminars, conferences and programs organized by the University. Empowered with the blessing’s exponents of Rabindra-sangeet like Smt. Menaka Thakur, Smt. Amiya Thakur, Shri Sailaja Ranjan Majumdar, Smt. Suchitra Mitra, Smt. Sumitra Sen and others, she completed her Post-graduation being First Class First position and awarded the most cherished Gold Medallion. She then got the Fellowship and completed her Research work on “Rabindra-sangeeter Monolok” (The Psychology related to Rabindra-sangeet) leading to her receiving the Doctoral honour.
Her passion towards Rabindra-sangeet has mobilized her to impart training and coach students imbibing in them the senses and the spirits of each song through her organization “Manjis” meaning “Flute” which, she feels, dissipates its sweet notes of the song to connect Nature to humanity.
Apart from the above, she has also developed the passion of writing experimental scripts on “Rabindra-Philosophy” that works behind the songs of Gurudev. Her scripts were highly acclaimed and accredited in different forums and functions wherever those were read throughout the country.
Sri Anjan Nath
Anjan Nath was born on 01 July 1947 at Dibrugarh, Assam. Due to his father’s (Late Dr. Rajendra Lal Nath) change of job, the family moved to Kolkata in 1956. He passed Higher Secondary Examination from Belgharia Higher Secondary School and BE in Electronics Engineering from Jadavpur University. He joined Defence Research and Development Laboratory at Hyderabad in 1972. Afterwards he joined Aeronautical Development Establishment under the same Defence Research and Development Organization at Bangalore in 1978. In 2008 he retired as Scientist ‘G’ and Associate Director of the Laboratory.
After retirement he revived his creativity in Bengali literature almost after three decades. His contribution in Bengali literature can be witnessed in popular Bengali magazines like Shuktara, Kishore Bharati, Prasad, Naba Kallol etc, Sentinel and Yugshankh newspaper of Assam. He has also written extensively for various newspapers and magazines in Mumbai, Hyderabad, Pune, Delhi, Guwahati, Silchar and Kolkata.
His first book “Galpo Sankalan” was published this year in September.
Smt. Rekha Nath
Smt.Rekha Nath was born in Palashipara, Nadia (Bengal). She grew up and received her formal education in Allahabad. She completed her M.A in economics from the University of Allahabad. From her University days, Smt Nath was deeply inclined towards literature. She was the editor and publisher of the quarterly Bengali magazine,’Tunir’ published from Allahabad. In 1984 she moved to Delhi, and currently resides there.
Her literary works are regularly published in various magazines and journals in India as well as abroad. She was awarded the ‘Writer’s Award’ by Anushilon Patrika (Sweden) in 2013. ‘Ishwar o Manush’, a compilation of her micro and short stories was published in 2010. She has translated Panama’s famous writer and Poet, Rogelio Sinan’s ten Spanish poems into Bengali. Amongst her numerous literary writings, a few notable mentions are: short stories published in the Coffee House magazine (Kolkata) , ‘Shoto Monihar’ a collection of poetry from Bangladesh, ‘Mukhaboyab’ a short story compilation from Agartala ( Tripura ), ‘1947, a love story published in the Sunday Statesman , An article on Begam Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain published in Vasundhara, an anthology of essays and artworks by women authors and artists.
She has also contributed to ‘Rajdhanir kobi katha’, a poetry collection from ‘Unmukta Uchhwash’, Delhi and ‘Kobitay Dui Rajdhani (Delhi and Dhaka ), ‘Continuum’, an annual anthology of poetry club of India, The weekly Sun, and the Indian Railways magazine etc. Smt Nath has also penned short stories for Yogisakha.
Sri Apurba Kumar Nath
Apurba Kumar Nath is an ace footballer from Dum Dum, He is the son of Late Subhas Chandra Nath and Smt. Gita Nath.
Started playing football in the year 1980, Sri Nath represented Bengal as Goalkeeper in Junior National championship in 1985 held at Tripura. He also played in Senior National Championship (Santosh Trophy) in the year 1989 Held at Kerala.
He was selected for 1st Division in Kolkata league representing Sonali Sibir, Aikya Sammilani, Khidirpur Sporting Club, Mohanbagan and Kolkata Port Trust.
Also Represented in All India Major Port Championship. He is presently working for Kolkata Port Trust. He is also associated In Coaching Assignments in Dum Dum Bharati Sangha.
Sri Somen Debnath
How often do you watch a movie about, or more outrageously fancy the thought of being kidnapped by the Taliban, and be kept alive and released eventually, just because you can cook some amazing Indian food? Some stories are made of great imagination, and then there are some, that are made out of great dreams, realized out of great conviction and resolve – a resolve that’s rare, and that’s what legends are made of – extraordinary people and their extraordinary feat.
Somen Debnath, son of Smt Shova Debnath and Shri Ram Mohan Debnath, is one of those rare kinds from the human race. His story ranges from being bizarre to fantasy to most of us, and the expanse of his experiences at such an early age, can throw a lot of us out of our seats. After all, how many 16-year olds do we know of, or can imagine, could break the shackles and barriers to emerge as one of the most prominent torchbearers in the race against one of the deadliest epidemics the world has witnessed, HIV-AIDS?
16, is an age for most of us, when we soak in the world around us, trying to fathom its fabric, while a newly found freedom takes us to a world of friends, fantasies, and dreams. It is an age when we barely begin to figure the different courses our life could perhaps take. That is when, Somen, disturbed by the news of a HIV patient abandoned by the steps of a hospital by his relatives and left to perish, got down to thinking – and acting upon his thoughts.
He enrolled into the West Bengal State AIDS Control Society for a speciality course to understand the disease and its effects better. Dissemination of his knowledge followed as he turned into a staunch activist for the cause, working with people and institutions across India. The unthinkable was yet to come. Just two days after he had graduated from the University of Calcutta in Zoology, Geology and Anthropology, alongside securing a degree in Fine Arts from the Sarba Bharatiya University, Somen decided that was not enough. He embarked on something; most would pass down as nothing short of the unrealistic.
The 27th of May 2004 witnessed the unimaginable… Somen was astride a bicycle, determined to tour the world – to cover 191 countries and meeting 2 million people along this journey, just to spread awareness – about this deadly disease and the recourse to it, and of course, what else mattered to him the most – Indian culture… Aim, 2020!
Along these many years, having been supported by the hundreds across the world – common people, governments, corporates, and such, Somen has conducted seminars, drives and campaigns to align minds and efforts toward his causes. The community centres he has built in his hometown at the Sundarbans Delta have been a testimony to the astounding acceptance, endorsement, and encouragement he has received so far – not to mention the honours and felicitations by various authorities from across the globe. Practicing and teaching Yoga for the upliftment and healing of patients only add to the repertoire of the extent of his efforts.
As Somen approaches the end of his arduous and fulfilling journey, it’s only apt that a thunderous applause, a silent prayer and heartfelt gratitude be showered on this legend, as they are the kinds that define the times, we walk this earth, and give us a reason to live, believe and aspire.
In Somen’s own words, ‘People are my God’! Guess, he deserves no lesser.
Ms Subhasree Debnath
Ms Subhasree Debnath daughter of Shri Keshab Debnath and Smt Chaina Debnath is perhaps one of the most quintessential voices Bengal has produced in recent times. She became a popular household name in Bengal when she left the audience spellbound with her astounding performances in Zee Bangla Sa Re Ga Ma Pa 2016-17 in which she became the 1st Runners Up.
She is well educated in music and academics. She has completed her Master of Music from Bangiyo Parishad in Rabindrasangeet and Bachelor of Arts in Music (Vocal, Classical and Nazrulgeeti). She is a very talented a multilingual singer and has already performed in Hindi, Bengali, English, Tamil, Assamese, and other languages.
She is a professional playback singer and has lent her voice in many Bengali telefilms and popular TV serials like Amlaki, Netaji, Rani Rashmoni and Soudaminir Sansar.She has released a few Solo albums and participated in concerts in USA and Canada. She has also lent her voice as a playback singer in the Bengali film “Ghoon”.
Another facet of Subhasree personality is her humanitarian approach to life. She has always stretched her hands for social causes and reached out to orphans and the underprivileged. An avid sports lover, she not only encourages the children in her area to pursue the sport they are good at but also extend financial help for procuring the sporting items.
Ms Niharika Nath
The Indian music world has been enriched by ingenious artists throughout the ages. Among them, the place of Bengali artists is foremost. Ms Niharika Nath is one of the emerging artists of present times. The pride of the Nath community, Niharika, daughter of Dr. Smriti Shankar Nath and Smt. Nupur Nath presently resides in Kolkata for pursuing music.
Niharika has shown her talent and excellence by winning top positions in various national level music competitions like Zee Bangla Sa Re Ga Ma Pa little champs, Zee Bangla duet champs Indian idol junior and &tv The Voice India Kids. Fascinated by her Musical talent Bharat Ratna Smt Lata Mangeshkar tweeted her blessings for her.
Niharika is presently a promising contestant of Zee Bangla Sa Re Ga Ma Pa 2020.
Ms Sharmistha Debnath
Ms Sharmistha Debnath daughter of Smt Sarmina Debnath and Dr. Amiya Debnath is a child prodigy and a rising star in the Indian Music arena. At a very young age Sharmistha achieved multiple accolades and was adjudged the winner of the popular TV Reality show Star Jalsha super singer junior 2019. She is pursuing her studies in a renowned School in Kolkata. Her melodious voice can be heard in many popular Bengali TV serials like Debi Choudhurani, Kopal Kundala, Rani Rashmoni, Soudaminir Sansar and films like Miss 420, Haami (chorus) to name a few. She has also added a couple of feathers to her cap by lending her voice in a couple of Music Albums namely Tasher Desh and Joy Dugga Bol.
Sri Rabisankar Debnath
Sri Rabisankar Debnath is Ex National Gymnast as well as Judge. He joined Indian Railways in 1985 at Chittaranjan Locomotive Works.
Sri Debnath started his Gymnastic carrier at the renowned Gymnastic Club, Udayan Bayam Samity in 1977 at the age of 13. His Sports carrier extends from Sub-Junior District Champion (1980), Junior State Champion (1983) to Senior State Champion (1985, 1986 and 1987). He participated in National Gymnastics Championships since 198 to 1985 under different age groups. Besides these, he also participated in National Games twice (1985 and 1987), National School Gymnastics Championship thrice (1981-82, 1982-83 & 1983-84) and All India University Meet twice (1984-85 &1985-86). He was awarded with several Medals (Gold, Silver & Bronze) in Team Championship and in Individual Events. Moreover, he also represented his organization CLW as Gymnast in All India Inter Railways Gymnastics Championships (1986-1993) with distinctions.
Further, he represented West Bengal as Gymnastics Coach for National Championships. He was one of the Technical Official at the National Games (2014-15) held in Kerala. He was elected as State Secretary of Bengal Amateur Gymnastic Association for 4 years (2013-17). As a successful coach he has produced several eminent Gymnasts who are well settled. Still, he is attached with regular training and other activities for the welfare of Gymnastics in West Bengal.
Sri Subhas Adhikary
Subhas Adhikary is an eminent Hockey player of Bengal. He was born to Harendra Kr Adhikary & Subarna Prabha Adhikary (Noakhali). Sri Adhikary started playing Hockey in 1972. He represented Bengal in Junior National Competition (1976 & 1977); University of Calcutta in All India University Tournament (1977) and SBI Bengal Circle during service period. He was selected for Kolkata 1st Division Hockey League club teams since 1977 and represented East Bengal, Mohanbagan, Mohammedan Sporting, Aryan, Rajasthan & Kolkata Port Trust Clubs. He also participated in Beighton Cup Competition for the mentioned clubs. After retirement form SBI in 2017 he is currently associated with coaching assignments at Baranagar, Kolkata.
Sri Pankaj Nath
Sri Pankaj Kr Nath, S/o Lt. Padmalochan & Lt. Nirmala Nath of ‘Nath Para’, Tarapur, Silchar, Cachar, Assam and is residing in his ancestral house of about 10 generations during last 250 years. He has obtained PG Degree from Guwahati University and B. Ed from Silchar. Presently employed as Govt. High School Teacher and a regular performer of Vocal Music.
Sri Nath learned music from his mother and elder sister Lt. Pratibha Nath at the very early age and was a disciple of Lt.Motilala Singha, Tapas Shankar Dev and Nani Sharma in Classical Music. Later He shifted to Rabindra Sangeet being disciple of Late Panchali Dhar and Sangeet Natak Akademi Awardee Kanika Bandyopadhyay. Later he did his Masters in Music. For last 30 years he was engaged as temporary Announcer and performed as regular Vocal artist at Akashbani and Doordarshan, Silchar. His perfectly proficient rendition in Folk song, Modern (Adhunik) song, Tagore’s song etc. on-stage all-over India and in Bangladesh is acclaimed by one and all.
Smt Mangala Nath
Smt Mangala Nath is a Folk song singer and prolific performer all over Assam, North Bengal, Tripura, Meghalaya, Bangladesh and even visited Kolkata and Mumbai.
Daughter of a professional Pala Kirtan and Nama Kirtan singer of high esteem Late Shantilal Nath, she started her music carrier through learning from her father and learnt Kirtan of ‘Kalathakur’, ‘Surya Brata’, ‘Puspa Dol’ and wedding songs with great devotion. Later she learnt Folk songs from Sri Prasenjit Phanchu and classical music under Sri Anupam Chowdhury.
She has performed as stage artist since then and after successful audition conducted by All India Radio Board in 1991 became a regular artist in Folk Song category. After further training under Sri Manoranjan Malakar she obtained ‘B’ High Grade in 1995 and ‘A’ Grade in 1999 from Delhi Board. She stood First and secured Gold Medal in All India Examination on Folk Songs organised by ‘Bangiya Sangeet Parishad’, Kolkata in 2008.
Besides being a Govt. School Teacher, she also discharged her responsibilities as a judge in competitions and as organizer for workshops on music. She is always inspired by her Husband Sri Dipak Nath. Some of her released albums are ‘Kentarer Driver’, ‘Joler Ghathe’, ‘Kail Nanader Biya’, ‘Moner Aagoon’, ‘Sona Maai Cholo Jaai’, ‘Taloi Palonke Ghumaiche’.
Sri P. K. Shankar
Sri P. K. Shankar, The Magician, is from Jadurberia, Howrah .He is a regular Indrajaal performer even at his age of almost 75 years. He was from a family of humble background native to Alipore village, Lakshmipur Thana, Noakhali. Late Bhubaneswar Bhowmick and Late Subhadra Bhowmick were his parents. He was so keen to learn Magic from his ‘Guru’ that he used to earn through weaving at his tender age to pay ‘Guru Dakshina’. Later, his passion for magic turned into his profession and started his career as a magician. Sri Shankar was awarded the Title “Magic Star” after securing the second place in an International Magic Competition organized by ’INDIA JAL’ of Kerala in 2011. He has charmed the audiences during 109th Annual General Meeting, 2019 and during the Vijaya Sammelan at Katwa, 2019 of Assam Banga Yogi Sammilani.
Sri Santanu Nath
Sri Santanu Nath, is a Performing Artist, born 24.12.1985 at Chandaannagar Hooghly to Sri Swapan Nath and Smt. Ratna Nath of Naihati. He did his Masters in Sociology.
From early age he wanted to be a cricketer and equally passionate about acting. After schooling he joined a theatre group at Naihati and due to his sheer talent in acting he was selected as one of the 14 artists in State Repertory Theatre in 2010 and that was the turning point in his life. His self-revelation occurred as a professional at Minerva Repertory Theatre, Kolkata. The theatrical experience gathered during performance in dramas one after another and the apprehension of the directing skills have paved the way for his perseverance. From 2013 onwards Sri Nath established himself as independent director and artist at Kolkata theatre world. So far, he directed 6 dramas and performed in 35 plays on stage. Side by side he has also ventured into the Media World and performed in 8 Bengali Web Series with initial success. He is feeling a great yearning for an Epoch-making production in Bengali Theatre.
Sri Nath like to spend his life in a meaningful way and keeps himself busy to alleviate the misery of people.
Sandeep Nath
Sandeep Nath son of Smt Sadhana Nath and Sri Ramprasad Nath was born in Kanpur (Uttar Pradesh). His father who retired as the Superintendent of Customs and Central excise moved and worked in various cities of Uttar Pradesh namely Allahabad, Kanpur, Moradabad, Dhampur and Chandpur (Bijnor). Sandeep experienced the places where he grew up. He took his first lessons in music from his mother Smt. Sadhana Nath who was a classical and a Bhajan singer and his passion for arts and literature was greatly influenced by his father.
Sandeep finished his formal education in Moradabad as a law graduate and moved to Delhi where he took up dual profession as lawyer and a journalist which went on for about 3 years. Working the day shifts in various courts as lawyer, he used to engage himself as a journalist in the evening shifts. Thousands of articles which he penned was published in various magazines and newspapers. Before moving to Mumbai, a decade and a half back, Sandeep worked in the editorial board of various newspapers in UP and Delhi. During this stint, two of his books were written and published namely “Mujhko Kuch Bhi Naam Doh” (a collection of Hindi poetry), “Darpan Ab Bhi Andha Hai” (a collection of Ghazals).
At a very young age Sandeep was greatly influenced by Bollywood. As an avid film lover, Sandeep use to be a regular cinema goer in his Kanpur locality which had many single screen theatres. Perhaps his love for cinema attracted him towards Bollywood where he debuted as a lyricist. In his film career he has written lyrics for more than eighty well known Bollywood films. He is most known for his work in films like Page 3, Corporate, Saawariya, Paan Singh Tomar, Aashiqui 2, Singham Returns etc. Later on, he explored other avenues of the film industry and worked as Singer, Composer, Screenwriter, Director and Producer. During his association with film industry, he worked with renowned Bollywood film personalities like Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle, Sukhwinder Singh, Shaan, Kailash Kher, Shreya Ghoshal and many others.
Sandeep also ventured into screen writing for films and television. He worked for numerous films in the capacity of screenwriter and worked for Afsar Bitiya [Zee TV] and Ek Ghar Banaunga [Star Plus] Hamari Devrani [Star Plus], Dulhan Wahi Jo Nanad Mann Bhaye [Mahua Channel].
The chartbuster ‘Sun Raha hai’ was penned by Sandeep. With Ankit Tiwari, the team gave another melodious track ‘Behki’ for Yaara Silly Silly. Sandeep’s latest release is an original solo song – “Rangrez” for which he composed the music and lent his voice. Sandeep got “Stardust Award” for his outstanding performance as a lyricist for the film Saawariya.
Sandeep is a perfect blend of Bangaal , Ghoti and Pravashi. Deriving his Bangaal lineage from his paternal grandparents Late Smt Binodini Debi Nath and Debi Charan Nath who hailed from Khulna (now Satkheera Dist in Bangladesh). While his Ghoti lineage from maternal grandparents Smt Jogamaya Nath and Rabindra Nath Nath who hailed from Krishnanagar of Nadia District (West Bengal). As he had grown up in various districts of UP, which helped shape him up integrating the best of various Bengali cultures and values. A widely travelled person, he has touched upon all the six continents and interacted with the Indian communities, especially the Bengalis. He has a huge fan following in the Nath Yogi community of the Barak valley districts of Assam. A Worshipper of Rabindra Nath Tagore, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and Swami Vivekananda, Sandeep is greatly influenced by them which reflects in his work and living.
In spite of his cosmopolitan work environment, Sandeep is a very family-oriented person. Although he has to spend most of his time in Mumbai for his work-related engagements, his deep roots to Bengal naturally draws him to his parents who stays in Nimta, Dumdum (a Kolkata Suburb) where he frequently visits. He can be often seen having fuchka in his locality or taking a walk in the park and sometimes refer himself as a ‘Nimta boy’! He is widely googled person and can be found in the pages of Wikipedia, YouTube etc.
Pandit Swapan Kumar Siva
Pandit Swapan Kumar Siva was born in Calcutta in a family of Cultural and Musical background. Being inspired by his father Sri Harendra Narayan Siva, a well-known vocalist, he became a renowned Tabla player. Pt Siva started his initial training under Sri Harishadhan Goswami. He is direct disciple of a World-Famous Maestro Late Ustad Keramutullah Khan of Farukkabad Gharana and then he took lessons under Padmabhsuhan Pandit Jyanprakash Ghosh. He attended a number of notable conferences in Calcutta and other notable places of India and abroad. He accompanied many renowned artists of the country.
He stood first in Inter College Music competition held in Calcutta organized by Calcutta University in the year 1970-71. In the year 1985 he was awarded “Talmoni award” from Mumbai. He is regular artist of All India Radio and Television, Calcutta. He also took part in the National Program of All India Radio. He was invited several times to the different countries of the world such as USA, Canada, Netherland & UK.
‘Princess of Tabla’ Smt Rimpa Siva
‘Princess of Tabla’ Smt Rimpa Siva daughter of Smt Joyita Siva and Pt. Swapan Kumar Siva is a renowned percussionist and one of the few female Tabla player who made it big in the Hindustani classical music arena. Rimpa is the niece of Late Parimal Siva, ex-president and celebrated patron of Assam Banga Yogi Sammilani.
Rimpa was born in Kolkata in the year 1986. At a very tender age of 3 when her contemporaries were busy with dolls, Rimpa used to be mesmerized with the sound of Tabla that reverberated in her home. Her father Pandit Swapan Kumar Siva who was the disciple of Ustad Karamatullah Khan of the Farukhabad gharana, initially had other plans for Rimpa. However, seeing her intense passion and love for the instrument in which he mastered, decided to train young Rimpa. Rimpa turned out to be a child prodigy and appeared for her first performance on stage at the very young age of eight. She soon started giving performances in music festivals and concerts; a high point was her performance in USA when she was in Standard VI. It was followed by performances in Holland and UK.
After finished schooling Rimpa took up his higher studies in Rabindra Bharati University. Her passion for Tabla earned her much fame and she was recommended by Ustad Zakir Hussain who was approached by a French team making documentaries on big stars of Hindustani music. The French team spent 26 days capturing Rimpa’s day to day activities and her Tabla lessons with her father. The documentary was later released by the name “Rimpa Siva- The princess of Tabla” in 1998.
Rimpa has earned many scholarships and awards in his career. She was recognised with a Scholarship from the West Bengal State Music Academy, Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar from the Sangeet Natak Akademi and the Sangeeta Siromani award are a few to name. In 2007 Rimpa got the President’s medal for music from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. Rimpa took part in many concerts around the world out of which over 20 concerts were with Pandit Hariprasad Chourasia. Her passion for Tabla only grew with her age and she loses track of time when she sits with her Tabla.
Sri Debatosh Nath
Sri Debatosh Nath son of Late Snehalata Nath and Lakshyamoni Nath was born on Silchar in 1960. He is Dancer and Choreographer and specializes in Kathak and folk dances of North-East India). He is also a renowned Tabla player and reputed dance-teacher with vast knowledge, strong attention to detail and deep passion for dance and other performing arts. He has the honour of performing Kathak Dance in dance festivals pan India and conducted Numerous Workshop of dance in various cultural institutions of India. Apart from being an artist he is an examiner of Dance and Tabla for Bangiya Sangeet Parishad, Bengal Music College and Bhatkhande Sangeet Vidyapith, Lucknow. He is also the General Secretary (Central Committee), Sangitayan and member of many other Socio-Cultural Organizations like Nikhil Bharat Banga Sahitya o Sanskriti Sammelan, Sudhir Chandra Chakravorty Academy for Blind etc. He is the founder Principal of the Beenachchhandam Sangeet, Mahavidyalaya, Silchar. Sri Nath has directed and choreographed many unique Dance – Dramas like Shakuntala, Madan-Bhashma, Mahisasur Mardini etc. (on Kathak style), Aparupa (based on the folk dances of North- East India), Baichitramoy Bharat (based on various folk dances of India), Matir Gan (based on the folk dances of Barak-Valley), Rani Rakshasini (in puppet dance style), Chitrangada, Shyama, Chandalika (Rabindra dance-drama) etc.
Apart from the above, Sri Nath has also authored many books. Natwari Nritya-Tatwa (a textbook on Kathak Dance), Rabindra Nritya-Tatwa (a textbook on Tagore Dance), Asrusikta Nouras (a Novel, based on music and history of Medieval India), Vijoy (a Novel, based on history of Ancient India) etc are few of his well-known books.
Sri Nityaranjan Debnath
Sri Nityaranjan Debnath is a well-known author and a novelist. He has started his literary stint with the publication of his story “Chetana” in April,1996 issue of the Children’s magazine, ‘Suktara’. His literary work is being published at regular intervals in renowned periodicals namely Desh, Shiladitya, Kaali O Kalam, Shubham Samayiki, Kathasahitya, College Street, Tathyakendra, Prasad; News magazines namely Utsab, Matrimandir Sambad and Leading Newspapers like Dainik Statesman, Ekdin, Jugasankha, Sambad Nazar, Sukhabar, Arthik Lipi, Khabar 365 Din etc. His articles and stories regularly feature in several Little Magazines as well. Two novels and Three Collections of stories by Sri Debnath have also been published. He is the editor of a cultural and literature based Patrika, ‘Shatanik’.
Sri Debnath was born in 1956 ad hails from, Panuhat, Katwa, Dist. Purba Bardhaman and presently settled in Chinsurah, Hooghly. He is a Commerce graduate from Katwa College. He has retired from Govt. of India service as divisional Accounts Officer, Indian Audit and Accounts Department under Comptroller & Auditor General of India.
Vidushi Anjana Nath
Vidushi Anjana Nath is a top-grade Classical artist of All India Radio.
The musical heritage initiated by Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan Sahib has meandered through the ages and is still survived by a quite a few vocalists; Anjana Nath is unambiguously identified as one of them.
Vidushi Anjana Nath started singing from her early childhood and blossomed under the shade of her pious mother, Smt. Kusumita Nath and inspired by her father Shri Harilal Nath who was a School Teacher. She persuaded her “Taalim” under Vidushi Meera Banerjee (for 10 years) & Late Pandit Lalit Mohan Sanyal (for 5 years). Both were the direct disciples of Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan Sahib.
In the year 1989, Vidushi Anjana Nath was selected as a scholar of ‘Sangeet Research Academy’, Kolkata. Guru Pandit Ajoy Chakraborty of patiyala gharana has taken the guide role of her music for 10 years. She fully stretched herself under her master’s strict vigilance in learning and practice. Vidushi Anjana Nath’s relentless effort made her a complete Indian Classical Vocalist of ‘Patiala Gharana’. Her applications and innovative experimentation with laya, complex rhythmic divisions, Sargam and Taans with pure ‘Raag Dari’ prove her Talim and Sadhana. One can find in her presentation that there is a blending of knowledge and soul.
Meanwhile many accolades she had bagged herself. She was the topper in Khayal and Thumri in the Competitions organized by the Dover Lane Music Conference, Kolkata the state Music Academy W.B, the Prayag Sangeet Samity Allahabad etc. The National talent search Scholarship was given by the Govt. of India to her in 1989. She is an empanelled artiste of I.C.C.R from 2004. She received fellowship from the Government of India for her research on the subject “Indian Classical Music effects on human psychology & physiology” in 2006. She is also an examiner of Rabindra Bharati University, Kolkata. Vidushi Anjana Nath received the National Award for Thumri “Smt. Girija Devi Puraskar in 2011” and received the “Bharat Ratna Pandit Bhimsen Joshi National Award” in 2014 for khayal and thumri.
She had performed in the International Music festivals in England, Spain, Germany, Canada and Switzerland. She is a top-grade artiste of All India Radio. 6CDs of her performances of Khayal, Thumri, Bhajans has released from the different companies in India and abroad. Her performances and teaching methods of Indian music were highly appreciated by the listeners and the students of Europe and Canada.
Sri Matindra Debnath
Matindra Debnath is an educator, business consultant and a successful entrepreneur. He is the son of Late Saraswati Debnath and Girindra Chandra Debnath hailing form Kabasya village near Dhaka. Matindra Debnath is the founder of INITIATIVE INDIA INTERNATIONAL, a Human Resources Development Organization. He is a much sought-after Speaker. He inspires and informs people, helping them to realize their true potential. He has taken his dynamic personal messages to opposite sides of India, from remotest village to Metro City. His 20 years of research, understanding and experience has helped people on the path of personal growth and fulfilments. Over 1,50,000 people have benefited from his dynamic workshops, seminars, and trainings.
Matindra has got a varied work experience. As an administrator he discharged his duties as a Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector and BDO under Govt of West Bengal. He also held the responsibility as a CEO of IERCEM IIT, Banipur Engineering College. He also worked as a Mining Engineer & Manager (Opencast & Underground Coal Mines), SECL, Bilaspur (Madhya Pradesh), Under Coal India Ltd. He is the presently President & CEO of Executive Director of a couple of NGOs in Kolkata and Bankura.
Anuva Nath
Anuva Nath hails from Naihati–a town famed in the annals of Bengal history as the birthplace of Sahityasamrat Bankimchandra. By profession she is a civil engineer working in the government sector, and writing is her passion.
Through the years, Anuva has penned several short stories, poems and articles for a number of acclaimed periodicals, news papers and webzines including Anandamela, Sananda, Sangbad Pratidin, Kishore Bharati, Suktara, Nabokallol, Uttarbanga Sangbad, Aajkaal, Chiro Sobuj Lekha, Kobisommelon, Uttarer Saradin, Eisamay blog etc. She is the proud recipient of ‘Amiya Bhoumick Swarnakalam Puraskar’, which was awarded to her on the grand stage of Kolkata International Short-fim Festival.
Anuva has one published book, Byatikromy, a short story collection for the juveniles readers, under her belt. English translation of this book has been published from a international publishing house,Ukiyoto publisher.