On July 27, 2023, Sri Aurobindo Society and Brown Critique presented an enchanting evening of folk songs of India at the magnificent Matriniketan in Pondicherry. Our singers paid tribute to the legendary folk singer from Bengal, Nirmalendu Chowdhury (b. 27 July, 1922), on his 101st birth anniversary. Awarded the Padma Bhushan by the Indian Government for his contribution to folk music, Nirmalendu Chowdhury was also a composer, lyricist and actor. He was among the notable names in the forefront of the progressive cultural activists of Bengal.

On the occasion immensely talented singers – Gautam Mitra, Buvaneswari G, Shantanu Varma (harmonium) and Sahana U sang Bhatiali (Bengal), Janapada Geete (Kannada) and Tamil and Hindi folk songs. Songs such as ‘Enna Solli Padi Veruven’ (Tamil), ‘Ek Chiriya’ (Hindi), ‘Ogo Amar Praner Thakur/Bhalo Koira Bajan go Dotaaraa’ (Bengali) and ‘Tarakka Bindege’ (Kannada) among others were a part of the offerings.

Curated by writer Gayatri Majumdar, the evening was thoroughly enjoyed by more than 25 people who attended.