Classical music patron Sujit Bhattacharya passes away in Kolkata

Bhattacharya, an engineer by profession, was a music lover. In 1988, he had started the Association with an aim to promote young talents and give them a proper platform.

Remembering the initial days of his journey, Bhattacharya's wife Chanda Bhattacharya told IBNS, "We didn't have our own fund but we got sponsorship with difficulty. Initially people were not much interested but things changed with time."

Chanda Bhattacharya also revealed how her husband was deeply rooted to music even in the last four years when he was sick.

"For the last four years of his life, he was sick. But he used to listen to music till the very last moment of his life," she said.

Speaking about her husband's journey, she said, "He started the association to give a platform to young talents. Our motto was search for young talents. Lot of eminent musicians had first performed here."

Guitarist and Hansa Veena exponent Barun Pal, who was one of the close associates of Bhattacharya till the last day of his life, recollected how he had met with the patron.

"Long back, he had listened to one of my concerts. Then he had called me and said he wanted to meet me. Eventually we met. Later I had started attending Bhattacharya's concerts," said Pal.

"The major part of missing is that Bhattacharya was a man who, out of instinct or a musical ear, used to jump to promote a talent," he added.

Revealing an incident, Pal shared how Bhattacharya was instrumental in organising the launch of Hansa Veena (musical instrument) in Kolkata in 2000. Hansa Veena, which was designed and named by musician Pandit Ravi Shankar, was originally launched in New Delhi in the same year.

Earlier Pal had shared a Facebook post mourning Bhattacharya's demise. The post reads, "Thousands of Artistes of two/ three generations will remain grateful to Him for His inspiration, support, recognition and introduction to the World of music with no personal interest.

"Events of SMA never stopped no matter what was your health condition because of Her [wife] and closest members who loved you for your dedicated work. Thank you for training her and sharing with her your religious objective, commitments and aspiration. We believe, with your blessings, SMA will move forward as per your wishes."

After the demise of Bhattacharya who was in 80s, now his wife will carry on with the association's journey.