Surangan News

Making Music A Par

Making Music A Part of Our Life

-

Surangan News Houston, Texas Surangan Music School (A Cultural Center of Greater Houston)

Happy New Year 2022 May God Bring You Lots of Joy, Happiness and Good Health Surangan Day-2021

heritage to the newer generations growing up

Surangan Music School celebrated its annual program as 'Surangan Day-2021' with students and

well-wishers

virtually.

The

far from their place of origin.

As we know, we are not fully prevented or

ongoing

pandemic made it extremely difficult and forced the adoption of a virtual format. It’s true that performing virtually is not as fulfilling as performing in front of live audiences. Rupa Ghosh,

with

the

help

of

her

ever-

accommodating husband Dr. Pradip Ghosh, was successful in putting together this program with a large contingent of 87 participants.

The journey that Rupa has undertaken will undoubtedly carry the torch of Bengali cultural

vaccinated or free from the pandemic, even different types of variants such as delta and omicron are spreading.

Even Omicron more transmissible than delta.

In this circumstance, Surangan decided that they will not do the live stage program until a better condition comes up. This year, Surangan has streamed four episodes through Surangan Facebook and YouTube. Each episode and every participant, ages five and above, did an excellent

performance.

All

episodes

were

Vol: 10, Page: 01, December 2021

Nandi, and many more. Most of the songs they sang were from Pancha Kobi. The anchoring of each episode was very excellent. The narrations and songs were beautifully blended.

Finally,

Surangan

family

deserves

high

accolades for presenting yet another excellent program showcasing the gems of Bengali cultural creativity. Kudos to the energetic melodious, talented teacher, and founder Rupa Ghosh in accomplishing the herculean task of training the young talents, most of who are born and brought up in the US. featured with renditions of songs, recitation of poems,

dances,

etc.

A

huge

number

of

audiences watched the whole program and enjoyed every episode and wrote their valuable comments.

These programs were made special by the

Links:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZWH ObfeNRc&t=14s (PART-I)  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHfRc y_82M0&t=4314s (PART-II)  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wE_oo HLzcUI&t=4261s (PART-III)  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwO8 RNjH4oU&t=449s (PART-IV)

বিজয় উল্লাসে ‘ফ

ািানা

This year, the 50th victory Day has special significance, as it coincides with the centennial anniversary of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the golden jubilee of Bangladesh's independence.

Shatadal TV broadcast a special program named ‘বিজয় উল্লাসে ফ

ািানা’ On December

presence of Bangladesh and Indian pride, renowned artists Utsad Salauddin Ahmed, Sounak Chattopadhyay, Kadri Kibria, Riddi Bandopadhyay, Aniruddha Sengupta, Mahadeb Ghose, Alak Dasgupta, Priyanka Barua, Priyam Vol: 10, Page: 02, December 2021

09, 2021. In this program, Mr. Rehan Reza

has conducted this program. Beginning of this

(Chairman, FOBANA), Mr. Masood Chowdhury

program, Mrs. Rupa sang a couple of Tagore

(General Secretary, FOBANA) as special guests, and renowned Tagore singer Mrs. Rupa Ghosh.

This live program is anchored by Mr. Kabir Kiran, CEO of Shatadal TV. Mr. Reza and Chowdhury expressed profound gratitude for the sacrifices of the valiant freedom fighters, the martyrs, the wounded, and the mothers & sisters during the War of Liberation. They also discussed the aims and visions of FOBANA and informed us regarding the upcoming FOBANA conference-2022

in

Chicago.

In

this

live

songs whatever she has chosen, later she also sang from Nazrul, DL Roy, and Atulprasad. At the end of the program, Rupa sang 2/3 requested songs from the audience. In an hour program, a huge number of audiences enjoyed the whole program till the end. It was an amazing live show.

Link:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtD 8FIAT74U

A Special Program of Shatadal TV National discussion session, Mrs. Rupa Ghosh sang a couple of patriotic songs based on victory day.

A huge number of viewers watched this program from across the globe. People enjoyed this episode and wrote their valuable comments also. It was an excellent program.

Link:https://www.facebook.com/ShatadalTV/

Professor

Rafiqul

Islam

was

an

educationist, scholar, writer, and cultural activist in Bangladesh. He was the president of Bangla Academy until his death. Professor Islam received the Independence Award and the Ekushey Padak for his excellence in the field of academia and culture. Prof Rafiqul Islam was the

first Nazrul Professor at the

Bangla

videos/1588470554931129

আমার যস া গান On November 30, 2021, a special program broadcast on California Television (CA) named “আমার যস া গান" with renowned Tagore singer Rupa

Ghosh

from

Houston.

Cultural

personality Swami Shubhananda Puri Maharaj Vol: 10, Page: 03, December 2021

department of Dhaka University and the first

4, 2021, through online. Resident Swami

director of the Nazrul

Atmarupananda

conducted

Research Centre.

proceedings of the worship.

the

whole

Professor Islam passed away on November 30, 2021,

in

Dhaka,

Bangladesh. In memory of

Professor

Islam,

Shatadal TV arranged a special program on his colorful life. In this program, Mr. Zakir Hossain, Director

General

Bangladesh,

Mr.

Nazrul

Due to Covid restrictions, only volunteers who

(former head of Bangla department, Voice of

were directly involved with the occasion were

America and renowned journalist, and reciter),

allowed inside the temple during the worship.

Masuma Khatun (former officer of Voice of

Devotee Mrs. Rupa Ghosh sang a bunch of

America),

(Nazrul

Shyama sangeets during the worship period.

researcher), Belal Kazi, Dr. Ziauddin Ahmed,

The whole program was streamed through

Dr. Mizanur Rahman, Dr. Rafiq Khan, Hasan

VSGH’s YouTube channel.

Amjad

A huge number of devotees watched this

Khan,

Bahar

of

Chowdhury

Dr.

Iqbal

Institute

Gulshan

and

Ara

Rupa

Kazi

Ghosh

have

worship from their homes. Once the Puja

participated. Mr. Kabir Kiran moderated in this program.

Panelists

have

expressed

their

deepest condolences over Professor Islam’s death. They discussed his colorful life and his research works.

Link:https://www.facebook.com/ShatadalTV/ videos/590374302248046/

VSGH Celebrates Kali Puja-2021 The Vedanta Society of Greater Houston (VSGH) celebrated the annual 'Kali Puja' on November

concluded, devotees were allowed inside the temple as one family at a time to pray and offer flowers to Ma Kali. Finally, they distributed a box dinner to the devotees.

Link:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDI mD8m9EzI Vol: 10, Page: 04, December 2021

গাবি োসমের গান The contemporary situation in Bangladesh and the relevance of Kazi Nazrul Islam's philosophy, Shatadal TV arranged a special show named 'গ গাবি' োসমের' গানগ Renowned musicians Rupa Ghosh, Rumman Jannat Tithi, Dr. Rafiq Khan, Ziauddin Ahmed (Speaker), Rayhan Chowdhury (Speaker), Debal Gupta (Speaker), Hasan Amjad Khan (Reciter) have joined and discussed the recent

incident

on

Bangladeshi

Hindus,

especially attacked on Durgapuja.

Several Durga pandals were vandalized and close to 150 families were attacked after a Facebook post claiming ‘insult to Quran’ at a

cultural enthusiast Mr. Kabir Kiron from the USA have joined in this episode. We know, Ma Durga symbolized the power and triumph of good over evil. In this program, Mrs. Rupa Ghosh explained the Durgapuja, why we celebrate this puja. During this program, she sang a series of songs (bhajan, Shyama sangeets, etc). People enjoyed this program and wrote their comments. Cultural personality Mrs.

Mahbuba

Begum

coordinated

and

anchored this program.

Link:https://www.facebook.com/alponaiptv/v pandal went viral on social media. After that, The Islamic extremists immediately took to the

ideos/906090106977662/

streets and vandalized temples, and brutally

California TV Broadcast: গান ও আড্ডা

attacked the Hindu devotees.

The sweetness in the tonal quality of Rupa’s

The program was anchored by Mr. Kabir Kiran,

voice, combined with the effortless control of the

CEO of Shatadal TV. Lots of audiences from

tune and perfect pronunciation of each word

different countries watched this program and

makes her Rabindra Sangeet distinct and

wrote their valuable comments and advices.

divine.

Link:https://www.facebook.com/ShatadalTV/

program, named “গান ও আড্ডা" with renowned

California

TV

arranged

a

special

videos/2353644918103466/

A Program on মা দূগাগ দুগবগ

নাবিনী

Alpona TV broadcast a special program on October 23, 2021. This episode was arranged on Ma Durga Durgotinashini. Prominent Tagore singer Rupa Ghosh from the USA along with Sraboni

Mazumder

from

Bangladesh

and Vol: 10, Page: 05, December 2021

Tagore singer Rupa Ghosh from Houston. CEO of California TV, Swami Shubhananda Puri Maharaj has anchored this live program. Mrs. Rupa Ghosh sang a bunch of Tagore songs from different segments of Gitabitan. She explained the background information of all songs she sang. She answered some questions of the audience. It was an excellent program. A huge number

of

audiences

enjoyed

the

whole

program till to the end.

programs outside and restricted the audience gathering inside the temple. The rituals were led by the head priest Buddhadev Bhattacharya.

The priest panel conducted all religious rituals as per established Tithi and rituals etc. Each day evening presented a wonderful program by renowned

Link:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7H5 vk7USRuA

singers

from

India

and

also

performed by the local talents. The temple was beautifully decorated, and the entire premises

Houston Celebrates Durga Puja-2021

were adorned with scintillating decorative lights

Durga Puja is one of the biggest festivals of the

bought a semblance of puja atmosphere even at

Hindu religion. This year also we are struggling

a pandemic time. In this unique year of the

to emerge from the COVID-19 situation that has gripped the entire world. In this situation, the Houston Hindu community arranged their auspicious Durga Pujas followed by COVID restrictions.

Houston Durga Bari Society It always feels great to be here in Durgabari. It's not only a temple it's a cultural hub, a home away from home for all people who like to stay rooted with their culture.

This year, Houston Durga Bari’s puja was held

Covid pandemic, devotees were thankful and grateful to the puja committee that they were enjoyed the real Durga Puja atmosphere at least in person. Kudos to numerous volunteers for their relentless effort to make it impeccable every time and exceeding expectations year after year.

Vedanta Society of Greater Houston This year, the Vedanta Society of Greater Houston (VSGH) celebrated Durga Puja on October

09,

2021.

Resident

from October 14 to 17 with a small number of

Atmarupananda

devotees.

proceedings of the puja. In this unprecedented

Puja

committee

arranged

all

conducted

the

Swami whole

Vol: 10, Page: 06, December 2021

time, only volunteers who were directly involved

their

homes

till

the

end.

Finally,

they

with the puja were allowed inside the temple

distributed boxed sweets and fruits to Prasad to

during the worship. The Puja started at 10 AM

the devotees.

Link:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=knJ 8d7KUPVw Puja Samithi of Greater Houston (PSGH) Every year people wait for this auspicious occasion, however this year, Durga Puja was celebrated with limited devotees followed by

sharp with great austerity and devotion, and the live stream started on the VSGH YouTube channel.

Mrs.

Rupa

Ghosh’s

melodious

devotional songs during the entire Puja made the temple reverberate with divinity. The entire

Covid safety restrictions. Durga Puja is one

choir could not participate due to Covid

such occasion when social barriers break and

restrictions and there was no accompaniment

people come together on one platform to enjoy

of musicians either.

themselves to their heart’s fulfillment.

Once the Puja concluded, devotees were allowed

This year PSGH celebrates their Durgapuja at

into the center through the main entrance, one

ISKCON temple

with

their

beautiful

new

Murthis, which was shipped to Houston last year.

Each day from Thursday, October 7th

through Sunday, October 10th, they presented

family at a time to pray and offer flowers at Ma Durga’s feet. They were greeted at the entrance

by Swami Atmarupananda. Although it was unfortunate that devotees could not attend the Puja in person, the online streaming provided everyone with a good flavor of the Puja. A huge number of devotees watched this worship from

wonderful programs of professional artists and also local talents along with a memorable Mahalaya rendition. The overall puja was very Vol: 10, Page: 07, December 2021

excellent and huge numbers of devotees were

Prominent Tagore singers Dr. Shanaz Nasrin

attended.

Ela

from

Bangladesh,

Rupa

Ghosh

from

মানুষ মানুসষর জনে Autism

Society

Habilitation

Organization

(ASHO), New York, is an awareness-based organization. Mainly they advise and assist the Bangladeshi American children or youth who are affected with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and share their concerns and experiences

Houston, Chandan Chowdhury from New York,

with each other, how to handle or support

and reciter Hasan Amjad Khan from New Jersey

them.

have attended this program. Mr. Kabir Kiron, CEO of Shatadal TV coordinated this program.

They sang a bunch of Tagore songs and discussed Tagore's philosophy. A huge number of audiences watched this program and wrote their valuable comments.

Link:https://www.facebook.com/ShatadalTV/ videos/342449817464584/

Each month, they arrange a public awareness

Alpana TV

program named ′′মানুষ মানুসষর জনে′′. On

India

August 22, 2021, Shatadal TV broadcast this

anniversary of the great Bengali polymath

program on their channel, Mrs. Jaya Karim was

Rabindranath Tagore on August 7, a date which

and

Bangladesh

mark

the

death

a special guest, and the chief speaker was Mrs. Rubaiya Rahman, Executive Director ASO. Two popular musicians of North American, Rupa Ghosh, and Laila Farzana have also attended.

Kabir Kiran, CEO of Shatdal TV was the program coordinator.

Link:https://www.facebook.com/ShatadalTV/ videos/215697870513618/

Tagore’s Death Anniversary Observed

is known in Bengali communities as 'Baishe Srabon', solemnly marking the day when the

Shatadal TV

poet passed away.

To pay tribute to the Gurudev on his 80th death

Tagore, the first non-European person to win a

anniversary a special program arranged by

Nobel Prize in Literature, was known for

Shatdal TV as a "মরণ'ফর' ুঁ হু" on August 07, 21.

reshaping the structural framework of Bengali Vol: 10, Page: 08, December 2021

literature and music, along with other Indian

because of Rupa’s song and Mrs. Mahabuba’s

art forms with the advent of modernism in the

narration.

late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Link:https://www.facebook.com/alponaiptv/v

Alpana TV broadcast a program on Kobiguru

ideos/899249410677438/

Rabindranath Tagore’s 80th death anniversary

Houston Durgabari Society Celebrates Graduation Ceremony-2021

on August 07, 2021.

Renowned Tagore singer Rupa Ghosh from the USA along with Mr. Aldren Vincent Crowley and Mrs. Shejuti Dey from Bangladesh have joined this program.

This year’s Graduation Ceremony-2021 was held on Sunday, August 01 with more than

Mrs. Rupa has explained the

background information of all Tagore songs.

Cultural personality Mrs. Mahabuba Begam was coordinated and anchored this program. A huge

number

of

audiences

enjoyed

this

program.

Link:https://www.facebook.com/alponaiptv/v ideos/998630117624238/

A Special Program with Rupa Ghosh On July 24, 2021, Alpana TV arranged a special

twenty

graduates

and

their

parents

participating inside the Durgabari temple.

Beginning of the ceremony, the head priest, Buddhadev Battacherjee arranged a special ‘Sankalpa puja’ for all graduates.

After Sankalpa puja, each graduate delivered a short speech on their goal inside the temple.

Durgabari gifted a beautiful T-shirt to all

show with renowned Tagore singer Rupa Ghosh from Houston, Texas, USA. In this show, Mrs. Rupa told her musical journey from childhood to the present to the audience. She sang a bunch of Tagore and Nazrul songs where audiences were excited and enjoyed the whole live program from starting to finish. Mrs. Mahabuba Begam has anchored this live program. This program was blended beautifully

graduates. It was a very nice arrangement.

Vol: 10, Page: 09, December 2021

While the puja was going on at the temple, a couple of parents helped decorate and set up the Sur Auditorium for lunch. The ceremony ended with cake cutting and photo op.

ফে আিার িাজায় িাুঁবি On July 16, 2021, Shatadal TV arranged a program on Pancha Kobi’s poems and songs named ‘ফে আিার িাজায় িাুঁবি’ Renowned musicians

Dr.

Shahnaz

Nasrin

Ela

(Bangladesh), Rupa Ghosh (USA), Shamarita Mallick (Kolkata), Hasan Amjad Khan (reciter)

program. Cultural enthusiast, Mr. Kabir Kiron was coordinated and anchored this program. His narrations, recitation, and songs which

beautifully was

blended

created

an

this

episode,

extraordinary

atmosphere for the audience. It was an excellent program and audiences enjoyed the whole live program from starting to ending.

Link:https://www.facebook.com/ShatadalTV/ have participated in this program. All singers explained their own song, why they wrote this song, or from what’s philosophy. Mr. Kabir Kiran planned and moderated this episode. Mr.

videos/122921569920239

Shatadal Celebrates Nazrul Jayanti Kazi Nazrul’s 122nd birth anniversary, On May

Kiran also recited a poem from Nazrul. Lots of viewers watched this episode.

Link:https://www.facebook.com/ShatadalTV/ videos/1766502020196515/

এমন বদসন

াসর িলা যায়

Most of the romantic songs were written by Nazrul and Rabindra on rainy season. On

30, Shatadal TV arranged a special program on

July 09, Shatadal TV broadcast a special

his life, named ‘দুখু বময়া ফেসে বিসরািী েবি’

episode, named ‘এমন বদসন

াসর িলা যায়’

In this program Dr. Gulshanara Kazi (Nazrul

It was a Borshar Gaan program, the theme

Researcher),

was romanticism vs rainy season. Renowned

Researcher),

Nazrul singer Shaheed Kabir Palash from

Granddaughter), Sujit Mostafa (Researcher and

Bangladesh and prominent Tagore singer

Musician), Ustad Salauddin Ahmed (Researcher

Mrs. Rupa Ghosh from the USA joined this

and Musician), Rupa Ghosh (Musician), Shahid

Dr.

Ziauddin Khilkhil

Ahmed Kazi

(Nazrul (Poet's

Vol: 10, Page: 10, December 2021

Kabir Palash (musician), Jannat Rumman Tithi

Rabindranath Tagore and Bidrohi kobi Kazi

(musician), Hasan Amjad Khan (reciter), Ulfat

Nazrul

Parveen Rosie (musician, Canada), Shamarita

ফে নায় নজরুল"

Islam

named

as

"হৃদসয়

রিীন্দ্রনাে

Mallick (Musician, India) and Nupur Kazi (Musician, India) has participated.

All participants have discussed his philosophy, songs, and poems, as multidimensional aspects of the poet. They sang a bunch of Nazrul geeti and also recited from his poems. Mr. Kabir Kiran, CEO of Shatadal TV was planned and anchored this program. He also recited a poem from Kazi.

Kazi Nazrul was a poet, lyricist, musician, revolutionary, and philosopher. He was the poet of rebellion against injustice and taboos. He is famous for his poem Bidrohi (The Rebel) and his

Renowned Nazrul singer and researcher Ustad Salauddin

Ahmed

from

Bangladesh

and

prominent Tagore singer Mrs. Rupa Ghosh from the USA have joined this program. Both artists sang a bunch of Tagore and Nazrul songs onprem, nature and shades genre. Mr. Kabir Kiron was coordinated and anchored this program.

His

narrations,

recitations,

and

songs

many melodious songs. After Bangladesh's independence, Nazrul was declared the national poet and he was brought to Dhaka from Kolkata

beautifully blended, which was created an

Link:https://www.facebook.com/mohammed.

extraordinary atmosphere for the audiences. A

kabir.31/videos/10226441251602714

huge number of audiences enjoyed the whole program till the end.

Rabindra-Nazrul Jayanti -2021

Link:https://www.facebook.com/ShatadalTV/

Shatadal TV channel celebrated ‘RabindraNazrul Jayanti’ on May 22, 2021, to spread the message

of

humanity,

generosity,

non-

communalism, nationalism, and the spirit of

videos/316272879939895

Bangladeshi Community Victory Day -2021

Celebrates

the Liberation War.The episode was arranged to

Bangladesh celebrated the 50th anniversary of

mark the birth anniversary of Biswakabi

its national victory, remembering the valiant Vol: 10, Page: 11, December 2021

freedom fighters who fought and made the

Mr.

Khaled

supreme sacrifice to free the country from the

president Mr. Imtiaz Ahmed Pavel inaugurated their

Zulfikar

programs.

Khan

They

and

expressed

BASGH's profound

gratitude for the sacrifices of the valiant freedom fighters, the martyrs, the wounded, and the mothers & sisters during the War of Pakistani occupation forces. This year's victory

Liberation.

Day coincides with the birth centenary of the

Captivating cultural programs began following

country’s founding president Sheikh Mujibur

the discussion segment where renditions of

Rahman and the golden jubilee of the country’s

patriotic songs, recitation of poems, and also

independence.

dances by the local talents. There was jewelry,

In Houston, this year each Bangladeshi people

cloth,

celebrate the 50th victory day with respect and

programs and delicious foods.

joy

from

their

own

places.

food

stalls.

People

enjoyed

these

Bangladesh

Association of Houston (BAH) and Bangladesh American Society of Greater Houston (BASGH) also

celebrated

victory

day

with

great

enthusiasm and festivity separately from their own premises. Both organizations were nicely adorned their main stage with banners, posters, drapery in red and green themes, and other decorative items.

Please Subscribe Our YouTube Channel A couple of local county leaders were present in

SURANGAN

these programs. Both programs started with the hoisting of the national flag and the playing of

Editor

national anthems of Bangladesh and the USA.

Dr. Pradip Ghosh

One minute silence, as a mark of respect to the

Editorial Board

martyrs, was observed at the beginning of the evening’s programs. After that, BHA president

Dr. Anik Sarkar, Sumit Ghosh, Uday Chakraborty, Dr. Narendra Joshi

Published By: Surangan Music School; 17714 Strolling Stream Ln, Richmond, TX 77407 Phone: 832.704.8867; 832.274.6823; Email: surangan2010@yahoo.com; Website: www.surangan.org