12 April 2024/
RENOWNED RABINDRA SANGEET VOCALIST HEMASREE PAUL
“I started training at class 4 under the tutelage of Smt. Shipra Shikdar along with the help of my grandfather Lt. G.N. Paul and later by Sri. Banikantho Bhattacharjee. I started my training under Sri. Gopal Karmakar and Smt. Nandita Karmakar, which I still continue to this day. In my early years, I was highly encouraged by my respected parents Nirmal Kr Paul and Anjali Paul to win the 1st prize in the ‘Siliguri Utsav’- a district level competition and ‘Chhatra Yuva Utsav’ in 1994. Winning the 1st prize at the ‘Rajya Sangeet Academy and the ‘All India Radio Competition’ in 1996 was a turning point in my career. I went on to pursue the study of the songs by Kobiguru Rabindranath Tagore both in my under-graduate and postgraduate studies. In this time, I have been privileged to learn the artform of Rabindra Sangeet from Smt. Maya Sen for 14 years. Currently, I am also taking a music appreciation course from Sri Pulak Sarkar,” says renowned Rabindra Sangeet Vocalist Hemasree Paul.
“While pursuing my education at Jalpaiguri Government High School, I actively participated in numerous cultural programs, honing my singing skills alongside. Upon returning to Siliguri after completing my eighth grade, I sought further refinement under the mentorship of Sri. Gopal Karmakar and Smt. Nandita Karmakar, a journey that persists to this day,” she added.
After completing Higher Secondary education, Hemasree Paul pursued her passion for Rabindra Sangeet, obtaining both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from Rabindra Bharati University (RBU) in Kolkata. She studied for a Bachelor of Education degree from Calcutta University, alongside achieving an A grade in the Rabindra Sadan Competition in 2003.
“During my tenure at RBU, I had the privilege of studying under the esteemed Smt. Maya Sen for fourteen years, further enriching my repertoire with Rabindra Sangeet, and Nazrul geeti under the guidance of Smt. Rachayita Roy. I am honoured to receive classical music training from the Head of the Rabindra Sangeet Department at RBU, Smt. Rajyasree Ghosh also. In 2001, I passed the prestigious Visva Bharati Music Board audition. During my B.Ed studies, I had the privilege of being in proximity to the renowned classical singer Smt. Alpana Munshi, further deepening my understanding of musical intricacies,” says Hemasree Paul.
Hemasree Paul has been actively participating in various platforms of Doordarshan, ETV Bangla, All India Radio, Tara Music and local channels. Hemasree Paul is a ‘B High Grade Shilpi’ on the All India Radio (AIR) and worked as a music teacher in several esteemed schools and colleges, nurturing the next generation of musical talents.
Most of my time is devoted to teaching students across all ages and classes and helping them reach their true potential. I currently manage an institute named ‘Siliguri Suranjali Cultural Society’ in the hill town of Siliguri, West Bengal along with my friend and singer Smt. Lopita Mitra Bhattacharjee, and impart education in the field of music.
“Most of my time is devoted to teaching students across all ages and classes and helping them reach their true potential. I currently manage an institute named ‘Siliguri Suranjali Cultural Society’ in the hill town of Siliguri, West Bengal along with my friend and singer Smt. Lopita Mitra Bhattacharjee, and impart education in the field of music. We organize two major functions throughout the year, a large event and a small one through which we provide opportunities to our students to showcase their talents both on an individual and group level. Through the Suranjali Society, I am also involved in various socio-cultural activities involving kids. As part of Suranjali we provide materials like stationeries, meals, etc. to underprivileged kids throughout the year. I am currently busy growing my YouTube and Facebook presence and plan to start providing Certificate Courses in Music through Suranjali soon,” Hemasree Paul explains on her journey that stands as a testament to her unwavering dedication and passion for the art of music.
