Tabla maestro Pandit Pabitra Mohan Dey recognised

Veteran tabla maestro Pandit Pabitra Mohan Dey has trained many tabla talents who have made a name for themselves both within and outside the country. A tabla teacher at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) Sangeet Bidhalaya, he was honoured recently by Mymensingh Shilpakala Academy authority with a crest and citation for his lifelong outstanding contribution to the field of rhythmic music.

Pabitra was also honoured by Udichi Mymensingh and BAU unit; and Jatiya Rabindra Sangeet Sammilon Parishad, Dhaka.

“I was born in a music-loving family and my father was an eminent flute player while uncle Modan Mohan was a corned player”, said Pabitra.

“I had the opportunity to attend classical programmes by famous classical Ustads like Nazabat Ali Khan, Bipin Chandra Das,  Samir Kumar Das, Bijoy Bhattacharya, Amanat Ali Khan, Fateh Ali Khan, Alauddin Khan, Rashid Khan, Pandit Gyan Prakash Ghosh and Chinmoy Lahiri,” said Pabitra, adding that he is honoured to gain recognition..

“There was a time when it was difficult to conceive of a classical music programme without Pabitra's tabla. Pabitra and his tabla brought much joy to both classical vocal masters and music lovers,” said tabla Ustad Shamsul Islam of Benaras Gharana.

“Pabitra is a specialist in classical music (kheyal, thumri, dhrupad, dhamar) and has contributed greatly to popularise the tabla in Mymensingh region and the country at large,”, said the 70-year old Ustad.