January 17, 2026 Time of Dakshin Dinajpur
Kamal Kumar Biswas.TOD.Balurghat
The cultural heart of Balurghat beat with quiet reverence on Saturday evening as artists, students, and admirers gathered to honor the memory of Pranab Kumar Mukherjee, one of the town’s most luminous cultural figures, whose influence continues to shape generations of musicians and performers.
Pranab Kumar Mukherjee — a “Bangaratna” awardee, revered music teacher, lyricist, composer, and distinguished theatre personality — was remembered in a tribute ceremony organized by Muktdhara, the cultural institution he helped inspire. The event also marked the organization’s proud entry into its 24th year, transforming the occasion into both a commemoration and a celebration of artistic continuity.
The programme was held at Natya Tirtha Manmatha Mancha on January 17 at 6:30 p.m., drawing students, guardians, and music lovers from across the district. The evening was presided over by former Additional Commissioner of Police Satyajit Bandyopadhyay, lending civic recognition to a life devoted to culture.The tribute was directed by Mukherjee’s daughter, the acclaimed vocalist Karabi Mukherjee, whose leadership gave the programme a deeply personal resonance. Renowned harmonium maestro Ashish Banik, who had travelled from Siliguri, added further distinction through his presence and support.
A central highlight of the evening was the thematic presentation “Rabindranath’s Reflections on Death,” conceptualized by Karabi Mukherjee. The moving performance blended music and narration, offering a meditative tribute not only to Rabindranath Tagore but also to the philosophical depth that defined Pranab Mukherjee’s own artistic life. Students of Muktdhara performed Rabindra Sangeet, carrying forward the tradition their guru so passionately nurtured.
For many in attendance, the evening was more than a memorial — it was a reaffirmation of Balurghat’s cultural identity. As melodies filled the hall, the presence of Pranab Kumar Mukherjee was felt not in absence, but in enduring influence.
The tribute stands as a memorable chapter in Balurghat’s cultural history, ensuring that the legacy of a master teacher and artist continues to inspire long after the final note has faded.
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