Ragas Resonate: Cachar College Organises SPIC MACAY Classical Music Concert

A grand classical music programme was organised at Cachar College on Monday (February 16) under the joint initiative of the Cachar College Heritage Club and the Society for the Promotion of Indian Classical Music and Culture Amongst Youth (SPIC MACAY).

World-renowned sarod maestro Tejendra Narayan Majumdar was originally scheduled to perform but could not attend due to the sudden demise of his mother. The event was instead graced by noted Hindustani classical vocalist Arshad Ali Khan, who enthralled the audience with his soulful rendition of ragas. Trained under Ustad Maskur Ali Khan and Mubarak Ali Khan, he has also been associated with the ITC Sangeet Research Academy, Kolkata, and is a recipient of the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar by the Sangeet Natak Akademi.

He was accompanied on the tabla by renowned percussionist Sandeep Ghosh, while distinguished musician of Barak Valley, Pankaj Shil, accompanied the artist on the harmonium. Through the artists’ skilful renditions, the college campus resonated with the melodies and rhythmic nuances of ragas and taans, creating a timeless cultural ambience. The audience included several renowned musicians and connoisseurs from Barak Valley.

SPIC MACAY, founded in 1977 by Padma Shri awardee Kiran Seth, aims to promote India’s classical heritage and culture among the youth by organising programmes in educational institutions across the country.

The programme began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp and an invocation hymn rendered by Sumana Debroy and Apurba Das. A classical dance performance by Ritika Debnath, a student of Cachar College, marked the opening segment. The invited artists and guests were felicitated with uttariyas and mementoes.

The day concluded with a collective rendition of Vande Mataram led by the chief artiste. Nabarupa Dhar, Assistant Professor of the Commerce Department, compered the event. Inspired by Principal Dr Apratim Nag, the programme was coordinated under the leadership of Vice-Principal Mohammed Samsuddin and convened by Dr Parmita Das, Head of the Commerce Department and representative of the Cachar College Heritage Club. Active support was extended by Dr Padmashree Chakraborty, Dr Sucharita Choudhury, Dr Parthajit Bhawal, Birupaksha Paul Choudhury, Dr Maitree Manna and other members. Students and faculty members from various departments were also present.