Venue: HDBS Auditorium Date Sunday, December 08, 2019 Time:
Houston Durga Bari Annual Fundraiser with Shreya Guhathakurta Exceeds Expectations
By Sanchali Basu
Houston Durga Bari Society (HDBS) presented a magical musical evening as a part of its annual fundraising event and launching of its 20th year of existence, the evening of December 8 at its Sur auditorium. The event was titled “Ek Sandhya, Eka Shreya.” The evening’s entertainment program featured a solo program by renowned Rabindra sangeet exponent, Shreya Guhathakurta who prides in calling Houston home, currently.
A social mixer with mouth watering appetizers, wine and soft drinks welcomed the guests as they ambled in, decked out for the evening. As the guests took their seats, Tapan Das, chairman of the Council of trustees welcomed the audience. Partha Sarathi Chatterjee, ex-President, Founding Trustee, started as moderator with an invocatory chant. Two past Presidents, Ganesh Mandal, one of the long-standing founding members, and Gopendu Chakrabarti provided a brief history of the society and thanked several who were instrumental in turning Durga Bari from a dream to reality.
Diptabhas Sarkar, President of HDBS, gave the future vision of Durga Bari and highlighted the critical projects so that the organization can flourish and serve the growing and diverse community.
Guest speakers, Elizabeth Leicht, Trust Advisor and Attorney from Regions Private Wealth and Somir Paul, President, Woodlands Financial Services, talked about thoughtful giving and planned giving. Donor advised fund, long term capital gain property, qualified charitable distribution, estate planning, private or family foundation were the topics discussed. Subhendu Chakrabarti introduced the paintings of Avik Chakravorty, that were displayed for silent auction.
Members of the executive board were recognized for their untiring efforts and hours spent towards HDBS activities. The fundraising appeals led in donations pouring in, and accruing over $115,000. A scrumptious dinner was catered by Season’s Cravings with dessert from Shondesh Boutique by Mumu.
The highlight of the evening, Shreya Guhathakurta’s performance started with an introduction of Shreya by Sumita Basu. Shreya hails from a family of talented musicians and started her training at the tender age of 4. She is notably one of the most popular Rabindra Sangeet singers of this generation, bridging the gap between classical old style ‘gharana’ and new age presentation. Her musical style has often been compared with that of Kanika Bandyopadhyay, who she has received training from, and considers to be her inspiration.
She introduced the audience to Tagore songs by explaining that there is a Tagore song for every experience and emotion that one can possibly go through. Her love and passion for music provided us with an immensely talented, dedicated Rabindra Sangeet conformist, who has a large fan following near and far. She travels all over the world performing and has received several accolades.
She delighted the audience with her introductory rendition of Borisho Dhara Majhe based on Rag Bhairavi, and many popular numbers including Majhe Majhe Tabo Dekha Pai, Jodi Tare Nai Chini Go, Aaj Jemon Kore Gaiche Akash and ended with a beautiful rendition of Tobu Mone Rekho…
She was ably accompanied by Raja Banga on Tabla, Biplab Samadder on the violin, Namita Raychaudhury on harmonium and Bidyut Ghosh on mandira. She even requested dancers from the audience to participate and create a livelier ambience. Mou Das, Piyal Sengupta and Sanchali Basu graciously complied.
Durga Bari felicitated Smt. Bulbul Sengupta, retired Dean of Fine Arts of Rabindra Bharati University, Kolkata. Smt. Sengupta congratulated and thanked Shreya Guhathakurta and the accompanied artists for a beautiful rendition of pure Rabindra Sangeet.
The Annual Fund Raiser Event was chaired by Trustee Chair Tapan Das, and two past Presidents Partha Sarathi Chatterjee and Gopendu Chakrabarti. Trustee Secretary Dhruba Ghose, President Diptabhas Sarkar, Secretary Madhumita Sengupta, Treasurer Madhuchhanda Das were key organizers, ably supported by dedicated volunteers, including Mou Das and Dibyendu Chakrabarty.
Thanks to all the effort, it was an unforgettable evening for all, with impressive funds raised for continued growth of Durga Bari.
