By — Dilip Guha
Devgandhar School of Music, in association with Prakriti Sparsh Foundation, organised a vibrant cultural programme titled “Vivek Utsav 2026” to commemorate the 163rd birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. The event was held on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at the Rani Rashmoni Auditorium, Dakshin Delhi Kalibari, and witnessed an inspiring convergence of music, spirituality, and youthful enthusiasm.
The programme was presented by the students of Devgandhar School of Music, with enthusiastic guest participation by child artistes from the Ichchhe Bitan group. Through music and artistic expression, the event paid homage to Swami Vivekananda’s ideals of spirituality, nationalism, and universal brotherhood.
Founded by renowned singer, composer, and music director Debu Bhattacharjee, Devgandhar School of Music has earned recognition as a premier institution for classical and light vocal music. The school is distinguished by its emphasis on voice culture, modulation, and disciplined training, nurturing both technical excellence and expressive depth. Beyond education, Devgandhar actively engages in social and cultural initiatives, notably organising several national-level online programmes during the COVID-19 lockdown, uniting artists and audiences across India.
The co-organiser, Prakriti Sparsh Foundation, guided by the belief that the Earth is a living entity and that all forms of life are interconnected, the foundation promotes environmental harmony and social well-being through sustainable and compassionate practices.
The programme was presided over by eminent Saraswati Veena maestro S. Radhakrishnan. It commenced with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, symbolising the triumph of knowledge over darkness. This was followed by the recitation of the Gayatri Mantra and Ganpati Bandana, invoking divine blessings for wisdom and auspicious beginnings. The opening segment was gracefully rendered by young performers Asmita Satpathi, Anuska Satpathi, Pravhat Kumar Jana, and Shreyansh Mukherjee from Ichchhe Bitan, who set a serene and devotional tone for the evening.
Students of Devgandhar School of Music presented a series of soulful and stirring musical compositions inspired by Swami Vivekananda’s teachings. Notable renditions included “Jayatu Vivekananda,” “Bir Senapati Vivekananda,” “Ke Tumi Swami Gyani Shirmani,” and the Ram bhajan “Prem Mudita Manse Kaho.” A highlight of the evening was a captivating solo mridangam performance by young artist Arjun Arvind, who impressed the audience with his rhythmic precision and technical mastery.
Senior student Madhurita Banerjee delivered an evocative rendition of the Bengali devotional song “Nahi Surya, Nahi Jyoti,” composed by Swami Vivekananda, followed by a soulful Kabir bhajan that left the audience spellbound. The programme also featured an energetic tabla solo bySuhani Shandilya, reflecting her strong command over rhythm and tempo.
Guest performers from Ichchhe Bitan delighted the audience with Rabindra Sangeet and Nazrul Geeti, including “Mahabiswe Mahakashe,” “Sakatore Oi Kadiche Sakole,” and “Khelicho E Biswa Loye.” These performances beautifully captured the spiritual fire, wisdom, and universal vision of Swami Vivekananda, deeply resonating with the audience.
The auditorium was filled with dignitaries, scholars, and members of the community, who praised the organisers for presenting a meaningful tribute that seamlessly connected India’s rich cultural heritage with contemporary artistic expression. The programme was skilfully anchored by Nabanita Chatterjee, ensuring a smooth and engaging flow throughout the evening.
Speaking on the occasion, Director Debu Bhattacharjee emphasised the significance of the celebration, stating, “Children were at the heart of the programme, embodying the guiding force of our musical journey. Their participation reflects Swamiji’s vision of nurturing young minds as the future of the nation.” He further added that melody itself is divine and that progress must harmonise innovation with tradition.
The event concluded with a collective prayer for unity, strength, and compassion—values championed by Swami Vivekananda throughout his life. Vivek Utsav 2026 stood as a powerful reminder of the timeless relevance of his teachings and reaffirmed the shared commitment of Devgandhar School of Music and Prakriti Sparsh Foundation to promoting cultural awareness, social values, and spiritual growth through the arts.
