Anirban Saha's

NASSCOM or its events need no introduction. I shall skip that part, and shall start discussing what the section “Turn the table” was. It showcased 4 speakers, who’s profession was somewhat driven by, or shaped by their passion.

The speakers include Mr Vikram Kumar (Entrepreneur, DataResolve Technologies), RJ Arvind (94.3 fm), Sherman Jackson (Designer) and me. For me it was a pleasure speaking in this occasion, to such a audience which was either students or extremely high profile dignitaries. Nothing in between though ! Haha.

I spoke about my passions – fiddling with photography and bits of Rabindrasangeet. Since, there was considerable percentage of students there, I wanted to make it interactive. The idea got struck down by the lack of time Nevertheless I shared examples, for them to know, feel and get inspired.

I spoke on – Learning, what photography is for me, about passion, how our schedule plays a role, about sincerity, about passion and profession and somehow fusing them together making ourselves happy. I showcased few of my photographs.

Few moments, that I am going to carry a long way to go..

i) When I asked, “How many of us here are Students?” and Mr Rajendra Pawar raised his hands up smiling. He started the applause many times, and interacted very freely, easing me. PS : I was really taking “chaap”, but that eased me off a bit.

ii) The shock of my life, when Suparno da (He heads NASSCOM, Eastern India)  asked me to sing few lines after presentation. I was not prepared. I sang 4 lines of “Oi Ashontoler”, first line was complete out of scale, rest were okay. I was shivering. That was the first time, I sang on mic, and enjoyed the way my voice reverberated inside the hall. Although not good, I enjoyed it.

iii) Getting memento from Mr Bikram Dasgupta and Mr Babu. Mr Dasgupta is someone, who is regarded extremely dynamic and a demi-God for us students who are entrepreneurial. It was a pleasure to even see him by my own eyes.

Sharing the slides with you.

I thank Supratik, for being there all the while while I was preparing for my speech, giving valuable inputs and examples of Pandit Buddhadeb Dasgupta, and Pandit Jnan Prakash Ghosh ! They played wonders with the audience. I thank Aninda da, for having given me this opportunity to interact, it was an absolute pleasure, thank you for all the encouragement. Heart felt regards for Sudipto sir, Dr S Dasgupta (both from my college BCET) Mr Saikat Sengupta (my music teacher) Aji sir, Kamanashish da, Sumana di (for all the love and care)

I am an alumni of St Pauls’ Mission School, Kolkata. After having left school, I made it a point not to miss it. Instead concentrate more on the coming future. But something in my heart wished for… to get back to my school.

Attended the Rabindra Jayanti Utsav at my school and I am delighted. Before I go into the details of the program… I need to mention:
1. The School has a new principal. I had heard a lot about her. Today had the fortune to see her speak, meet her. She is extremely warm, positive and more than anything else – dynamic and full of new ideas.
2. The school had had a makeover. Few shifts here and there, and Church block re installed.
3. Old teachers are supposed to be retiring, new teachers are reportedly haughty.
4. Different activity clubs are formed, Rabindra jayanti and other occasions are celebrated in a better way. Unlike the past, food is served after every occasion.
5. Students are reportedly and visibly more disciplined. And I actually find them happier. Happier than the batches that preceded them, and our batch.In all a thumbs up to the new principal ! She has also made the board governing visibly active. In my school life, I hardly understood that a board of Governors actually exist!

It started with Dr Massey smiling at me, and a warm welcome. Mrs Ganguly anchored, inviting and welcoming the chief guest, with Ref  Adhikary proceeding with the prayers. The musicale started with “Dwanilo Ahoban Modhuro Gombhir”, “Momo Chitte nrite nritye”..

The next section was striking. It gave an overview of how Tagore portrayed his female characters. A brief of dance-dramas were given and the following were sung:
i) “Choron Dhorite diyo go amare” (Shyama)
ii) “Mor bina othe kon shure baaje” (Shaap mochon)
iii) “Ami Chitrangada” (Chitrangada)
iv) “Bhalobashi Bhalobashi” (Roktokorobi)

 

The junior school kids of class 2-4 enacted “Bir purush”.
A brief of Tagores’ insight to Christianity was also given. The song that followed was “Ekdin jara merechilo taare giye”. The guys that danced to it were very good, and Sagnik who sang is already a star.. but I shall be waiting for his CD’s to come out in the market. He is THAT good !

 

Different stages of life, few texts from Tagore.. “Premer joware”, “Aamra nuton jouboner dut”, “Jokhon porbe na mor paayer chinyo” followed next.

The paularians (as we fondly call ourselves) presented the skit – “Chinta shil”, which was hilarious. I almost ROFLed. The next song was “Anondo dhara bohiche bhubone”. What followed next, and I didnot like is the Amitabh Bachhan version of the song. This could have been avoided, when all the rest of the songs were done in purist form.
There were few electrical glitches. The lights were too low, and very frequently changing making photography a hard luck exercise.

I am elated, and what an occasion to get back to school premises. The same warm feeling. Okay, these days too much of Bengali is being used… but that’s perfectly okay. These days, I find kids who are proud of their school and vocal about it. Especially when they represented our school and won awards for it. This will definitely go a long way to take the school forward, and perhaps in a very right direction. I , as am alumni and a very loyal one, is optimistic.
NB: This is the occasion, that brought old retired teachers back together… and the new principals’ child is extremely choto and cute \m/

Photograph : Anirban Saha Photography.

Few snapshots describing Kolkata’s mood in the morning. These shots were mainly taken in the northern part of Kolkata during 7:00 am to 9:00 am.

The familiar abstract [Shobhabazaar, March 2012, Nikon D5100]

The vendor of Burrabazaar [Burrabazaar, May 2011, Sony DSC H10]

The 7 am bus’s [Bangur Avenue, October 2011, Nikon D5100]

The sporty Kolkata [Maidan, December 2010, Sony DSC H10]

The morning shift breakfast! [Maniktala, October 2011, Nikon D5100]

The childhood dreams. [Burrabazaar, June 2011, Sony DSC H10]

The business starts at near 8 … [Shyambazaar, July 2011, Sony DSC H10]

The 9 am Sunday games! [Maniktala, July 2011, Sony DSC H10]
A fragment of peace [Nakoda Mosque, March 2012, Nikon D5100]

And one familiar sight , every morning in North Kolkata is …

The torko-baadi Bangali. [North Kolkata, October 2011 - March 2012, Nikon D5100]

Friends, the series is not yet over, this is just the start… Do leave your suggestions for improvement. .. or development of the theme..
Photograph : Anirban Saha Photography.

When it comes to photographing serenity in its purest forms, Nakoda Mosque has always been a preferable location for me. This was shot on 25th of March 2012, at Nakoda Mosque, Kolkata.
Few shots are magical. You click it, share it and people start liking it. I shared this photos link with not more than 6 people, for their views are near gospel words for me, but gradually more than 150 people “like”d this photo at mt photography page.
I am not finding words for a write up that would go with this… you all are free to contribute your feelings (as comments)
Photograph : Anirban Saha Photography.