KOLKATA- Renowned santoor maestro Pandit Tarun Bhattacharya, who has been honored with the Padma Shri this year, reflected on his musical journey and personal life, sharing that he started learning the santoor at the age of four. He said that music remains the only force capable of bringing peace and harmony to the world.

Bhattacharya is regarded as a musical innovator. Over the years, he has created new ragas and playing styles and has also invented mankas (fine tuners) for the santoor, which help achieve a very high degree of tuning accuracy.

He was born in Nidhiram Majhi Lane in Howrah district. His father was a sitar player and played a key role in shaping his early musical training. When he was in the fourth grade, his family shifted to Chowdhury Para Lane in Howrah, where the Santragachi Music Academy was established at their residence and regular music practice sessions were organized.

Currently based in Kolkata, Bhattacharya runs an academy named Santoor Ashram. He frequently visits his ancestral home in Howrah and remains closely connected to his roots.

He says, “The world of music is like an ocean. There is no end to learning.”

His younger brother, Arun Bhattacharya, recalled his early passion for music and dedication to practice. “From a young age, my brother showed a strong fondness for the tabla, sarod, and santoor. Later, he chose the santoor and practiced day and night. This recognition was truly deserved,” he said. (IANS)

@IW