In an enchanting celebration of melody and meaning, Siddeshwari Batch '69 hosted "A Soulful Afternoon in Dhaka", a classical music concert that captivated audiences with an evocative blend of song, storytelling, and cultural reflection.
Held at a city auditorium, the event drew a full house of music lovers who were transported through the evolving traditions of Bengali and Indian classical music — from Dhrupad to Khayal, Thumri, and Bhajan.
The concert was inaugurated by Dr Munshi Anwar Hossain, Adviser of Ad-Din Medical College, and began with a welcome address by Mr Fazlul Karim Abid, Convener of Siddeshwari Batch '69. Professor Mostafizur Rahman, a revered alumnus and inspiration for generations, attended as a special guest.
The evening was conducted by Shri Aditya Nirmal of Lucknow, India — a distinguished disciple of Pandit Samaresh Chowdhury, from the school of Pandit Ravi Shankar. Serving as vocalist, narrator, and storyteller, Aditya wove an immersive musical narrative exploring the intertwined evolution of Bengali culture and Indian classical music.
His expressive renditions of Raag Kaushik Dhvani, Raag Bhairavi, and Bangla Khayal deeply resonated with the audience, while his narration traced the spiritual and linguistic roots connecting music, society, and identity. The concert also featured stirring performances of Nazrul Sangeet — including "Bagichay Bulbuli Tui" and "Bhoriyapuran" — and Rabindra Sangeet, complemented by the emotive Thumri "Kakaroo Sajni."
The instrumental segment showcased Pandit Ujjwal Roy and Rahul Chatterjee on tabla, performing a vibrant jugalbandi in Teental, accompanied by Dilip Biswas on harmonium. The synergy between rhythm and melody reflected the performers' mastery and deep reverence for tradition.
The narration incorporated poetic reflections from Jibanananda Das, Kazi Nazrul Islam, and Jasimuddin, enriching the session with literary and philosophical depth.
Throughout the evening, the audience remained spellbound — each alaap and taan met with heartfelt applause. The concert reminded all present that, as one listener put it, "Music is the universal thread that connects hearts, transcending words and illuminating souls."
The programme was gracefully coordinated by Siddeshwari Batch '69, whose dedication to preserving and promoting classical heritage was warmly appreciated by attendees.