Agartala: Oct 12: Shyam Sundar Co Jewellers released a special coin commemorating the birth centenary of the one and only Kanika ‘Mohor’ Bandyopadhyay – in association with Kanika Bandyopadhyay Memorial Trust – at ‘Anandadhara’, residence of the dear departed exponent of Rabindrasangeet, in Shantiniketan on 12th October 2023.
The legendary Kanika Bandyopadhyay, we all know, is the first name in Rabindrasangeet with a signature voice and inimitable style that is worth its weight in gold.
In fact, she was fondly renamed ‘Kanika’ by Kaviguru Rabindranath Tagore himself.
The venue of the presentation was Kanika Bandyopadhyay’s beloved residence, ‘Anandadhara’ – in Shantiniketan – which is now turning to be a museum of her memorabilia.
And the programme for the day began with a playing of Kanika Bandyopadhyay’s recorded recitation and song.
The special ‘Mohor, commemorating the birth centenary of Kanika Bandyopadhyay, was released by Bithika Mukhopadhyay, President, Kanika Bandyopadhyay Memorial Trust, Rizwana Chowdhury Bonya, President, Kanika Bandyopadhyay Centenary Celebration Committee, famous film maker Goutam Ghosh, Supriya Thakur, most senior member of Thakur family & Rupak Saha, Director, Shyam Sundar Co Jewellers.
A limited edition of one hundred coins have been produced and each coin has been specially packaged in a wooden casket that also contain a booklet with a short biography of Kanika Bandyopadhyay and some rare pictures, a pendrive with her unreleased recitation and unreleased song and an authenticity certificate signed by Bithika Mukhopadhyay.
The coin release was followed by Rabindrasangeet renditions and discussions by eminent Rabindra scholars and a galaxy of present-day star Rabindrasangeet singers like Supriya Thakur, Manju Bandyopadhyay, Rezwana Chowdhury Bonya, Mohan Singh, Pramita Mullick, Swagatalakshmi Dasgupta, Lily Islam, Saadi Mohammed and a host of other celebrated names.
“I am over-joyed to present this very special event”, said Bithika Mukhipadhyay, adding, “And I thank Shyam Sundar Co Jewellers for coming forward and helping to make it happen”
“Kanika Bandyopadhyay is a name that is really worth its weight in gold”, said Rezwana Chowdhury Bonya, adding, “And I am so very happy to see that her birth centenary is being commemorated with a ‘Mohor’. ”
“Shyam Sundar Co Jewellers is all about ‘a rich legacy and a continued pursuit of excellence’ and we are committed to live up to that promise”, said Rupak Saha, Director, Shyam Sundar Co Jewellers, adding, “And we have always extended this pursuit of excellence- outside the four walls of our jewellery showrooms – by celebrating tradition, culture and all that is really gold. Like Kanika Bandyopadhyay and the legacy that she has left behind – all of which is symbolised by the special ‘Mohor’ commemoting her birth centenary”
The audience included an august gathering of Rabindrasangeet stars and aficionados ; and the commemorative event was presided by Bithika Mukhopadhyay, President, Kanika Bandyopadhyay Memorial Trust and younger sister of the iconic Rabindrasangeet singer who was a legend in her lifetime and is an institution that is larger than life.
