One Year Anniversary of Remote Classes: Recap of the Past Year

This past week marks one full year from the start of our Summer 2020 term, the first term when Punashcha's group classes as well as individual classes for Adults and Children have all been held online.

In the past year we have had many milestones and first-time experiences, including holding classes, as well as celebrations over Zoom, and sharing our learning with the members of the public through videos rather than physical performances.

On Saturday 13 June 2020, Punashcha along with IBUK and the Sangeet Foundation presented "Aloker Ei Jharnadharay" - an evening of Tagore songs with Suma Mukherjee Saha (hosted by Sagarika Golder):

On 27 June, Punashcha held its first ever virtual celebration, Rabindra Jayanti:

Between 26 June and 7 August, Punashcha showcased its students and members through a series of videos, ending with a Baishe Srabon (বাইশে শ্রাবণ) special.

On 25 July, Punashcha, in association with Sangeet Foundation and IBUK, presented Santiniketan to Punashcha: My Musical Journey - with our founder, Shyamali Basu.

On 30 August, Punashcha held its first online get-together and celebration with students, members and well-wishers, in commemoration of Baishe Srabon.

Here is a wonderful writeup by a student of Punashcha, Sangita Goswami:

Punashcha: School of Rabindra Sangeet celebrated Tagore’s 79th death anniversary-Baishe Shrabon, today via Zoom.

It was an awesome evening with children and adults performing Rabindra Sangeet, reading Tagore’s letters and poems. What a wonderful endeavor to recapitulate and honour the bard of Bengal. His legacy endures in the institution he founded - Visva Bharati University (Santiniketan). A glimpse of which is revived in every bud that is nurtured here by our teacher Smt Shyamali Basu at Punashcha in London through celebration of Tagore’s birth and death anniversary every year.

This year we had our special Guest- Smt Sanchali Roy -(Senior Consultant, public health sector, Govt. of India, (Ministry of Health). She is elder sister of Shyamalidi. Her genuine critique and support was what we will always cherish.

In her words:-

“I was very fortunate to be an audience of Punashcha’s Baishe Srabon (২২শে শ্রাবণ) program, sitting in Delhi. I was overwhelmed and enjoyed thoroughly the recitations and songs of the little budding artists. Was simply amazed with the performances of Darpan, Adrij, Swara, Ryan, Aryan and Adrika. All these kids did very well and I’m sure, in future, they will carry the lamp of the Tagore culture across the world. Credit of those little artists goes to their parents and other elders of their families. It’s remarkable to note that, regardless to their immensely busy schedule, the enthusiastic young parents are showing the lamps of Tagore culture and its traditions to their children. The young parents and other participants of Punashcha, took the responsibility to explain the deep philosophy and culture of Tagore by engaging themselves into Tagore’s songs and dramas. It shows that music of Tagore is an integral part of their life.

Enjoyed the lovely melodious songs of Pinku (Sushmita), Anindita, Zeenat, Sudeshna, Rotna, Sangita, Bratati, Tamali, Sunirmol, Soma, Probir, Proma. Fascinated with the excellent recitations by Reena and Sangita. Dance performance by Dalia was very significant. I was engrossed with the presentation of Debarghya and insightful sharing of Anindya. Enjoyed the mesmerized performances of Babul, Dr.Jalal, Rita Mitra, Mamata & Sunith Lahiri, Ruchita and Shyamali.

My heart felt with pride and gratitude to be a part of today’s beautiful program of PUNASHCHA family."

After the end of the Winter Term of 2020, Punashcha had its virtual Christmas Celebration:

Ekushey February video by the children of Punashcha in February 2021:

A series of workshop sessions, in March and April of 2021, with esteemed Rabindra Sangeet artist, Manoj Murali Nair:

And the latest celebration, Rabindra Jayanti & Nobo Borsho at the end of April 2021, along with our special guests Manisha & Manoj Murali Nair:

We are always welcoming new students and members and well-wishers. We hope you have been enjoying our journey and will join us in our further endeavours as a school, as students, as participants.

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