At present, two main groups promote and practice Rabindra Sangeet, one being RSSS, dedicated to the singers. The other is the umbrella organisation, Rabindra Sangeet Sammilan Parishad, involved in Bengali cultural traditions like dance, drama, poetry and such like.

According to the artiste, "Life cannot be without music; it runs in my veins." Nayeema has followed her dream and become one of Bangladesh's foremost proponents of the genre. It is not surprising that she chose this path. "The arts were favoured by my mother's side, while education was the backbone of my father's family." Originally from Narsingdi, she has taught sociology at Dhaka University for the last thirty-six years. Despite teaching pressures, she has managed to devote time to her passion for Rabindra Sangeet.

As is often the case with early learners, Nayeema grew up with music, in a confluence of parental influences. "I was brought up in a cultural atmosphere. My maternal grandmother was a good singer and also played the violin and piano," she reveals. Her father's job led to countrywide travel and Nayeema was fortunate to have received training from local teachers and eminent Dhaka singers, notably, Sadi Mohammad for over ten years. Her classical music base was grounded by ustads, Qader Zameri, Yusuf Khan Qureshi, Narayan Chandra Basak and Khandakar Nurul Alam.

The first break came in Nayeema's mid-teens when she auditioned for radio, resulting in a regular slot for adhunik or modern songs. All the while, her education continued and it was at university that Nayeema met her future husband, Reza. He was instrumental in her meeting noted Rabindra Sangeet maestros, Sanjida Khatun and Waheedul Haque, founders of Chhayanat, in the late 1960s.

Nayeema briefly attended Chhayanaut herself, and following marriage, continued with Rabindra Sangeet and Classical music lessons at home with Ajit Ray and Zahedur Rahim. Successful Rabindra Sangeet auditions for radio and television in 1983 boosted Nayeema's confidence to take it up seriously. In 1989, she recorded her first solo album at home, followed by an Indian recording debut four years later with the album Dhonno Hobo Amrito Alok-e, released in Kolkata.

Nayeema was involved in the formation of Gitanjali, a small group dedicated to Rabindra Sangeet performers, which continues to have shows. Her most memorable concert experience abroad was in Kolkata, at the Indoor Stadium, at an event to mark noted Rabindra Sangeet singer, Chinmoy Chattopadhyay's death anniversary. "It was my first live experience away from home; of course and I was nervous, but thrilled that the Indian audience was extremely appreciative."

The RSSS holds an annual festival or utshob across the country to promote young artistes. This year's five day utshob which coincided with Tagore's 146th birth anniversary and RSSS President, Kalim Sharafi's birthday, was held amid much fanfare at the Dhaka Public Library Auditorium during the first week of May. Discussion sessions on Rabi Thakur's philosophy were also conducted at the utshob. "People come from afar to listen to the music; they are the real aficionados. It is wrong to assume that the public is not interested in Rabindra Sangeet. There is also good public participation during the discussions. People are knowledgeable about various issues and we could learn a lot from them."

Nayeema is hopeful about the spread of Rabindra Sangeet in the country. "I am confident about its diffusion, as eminent artistes are guiding and promoting young people," she said.

Rabi Thakur was very modern in his outlook and Rabindra Sangeet was greatly influenced by western classical music. Of course, there have been changes in its development over the years. Nayeema believes there is more orchestration now than ever before, which she considers to be a good thing. According to her, Rabi Thakur was responsible for awakening the "Bangaliana" in people. Evidently, she is a big fan, for she smilingly says, "Rabi Thakur's versatility cannot be found in other artistes. Great people never die; he will continue to remain part of our lives."

The writer is a freelance contributor