Chhayanaut has taken a significant step towards making Bengali music education accessible to learners around the world with the launch of its new online programme, ‘Sangeet-Porichoy’.
The initiative was announced at a press conference on Sunday at the Ramesh Chandra Dutt Memorial Milon Kendra at Chhayanaut’s Dhanmondi cultural centre.
Chhayanaut President Sarwar Ali and General Secretary Laisa Ahmed Lisa outlined the programme, alongside newly appointed Chhayanaut Sangeetbidyayatan principal Selina Malek Chowdhury and instructors Sharmin Sathi Islam, Biman Chandra Biswas, Mostafizur Rahman Turjo and Tinku Kumar Shil.
Students from both Bangladesh and abroad also joined the event online and shared their experiences.
The first phase of ‘Sangeet-Porichoy’ will introduce learners to folk music, Rabindra Sangeet, Nazrul Sangeet and sargam. Separate classes are being offered for children and teenagers and general learners, with the first session scheduled from 7:30pm to 9pm.
A total of 121 students have enrolled in the two branches. Of them, 93 are from different parts of Bangladesh, while 28 are based overseas.
The international students include 12 from North America, seven from Europe and nine from Australia, Malaysia and India.
While Chhayanaut has taken its cultural programmes and training to different parts of Bangladesh for decades, ‘Sangeet-Porichoy’ marks the first time the institution has formally opened its regular music education to learners living outside the country through a structured online programme.
The initiative builds on Chhayanaut’s growing digital presence. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the organisation turned to online broadcasts to maintain its connection with audiences when physical cultural programmes were disrupted.
In 2020, Chhayanaut also introduced recorded distance learning through ‘Gaaner Nibiro Path’. Conducted under the supervision of Sanjida Khatun, the programme featured lessons and discussions on Rabindra Sangeet, Nazrul Sangeet and folk music, with Sanjida Khatun, Khairul Anam Shakil and Chandana Majumdar serving as instructors.
The programme continues on YouTube and Facebook under the supervision of Shakil and Majumdar.
‘Sangeet-Porichoy’, however, takes the organisation’s digital efforts a step further by creating a live and structured learning environment. Rather than simply sharing performances or recorded lessons, Chhayanaut is bringing its classroom experience directly to learners who cannot attend its Dhanmondi campus.
The programme will later enter its second phase, ‘Nibiro Shikkhan’, designed for advanced singers. Classes are scheduled to begin on 20 September and will take place every Sunday from 6:30pm to 7:15pm.
Kiran Chandra Roy will teach folk music, Khairul Anam Shakil will conduct Nazrul Sangeet classes and Laisa Ahmed Lisa will teach Rabindra Sangeet. Selection interviews for students are currently underway.
The online initiative comes alongside Chhayanaut’s expanding presence on social media.
Since making a prominent entry into social media on 1 December, 2024, the organisation has maintained regular daily and weekly cultural programming for audiences in Bangladesh and abroad.
For decades, Chhayanaut’s cultural activities have extended beyond Dhaka. From organising performances and training programmes across the country to arranging major celebrations and commemorative events, the institution has sought to preserve Bengali cultural traditions while fostering a broader humanistic outlook.
Now, ‘Sangeet-Porichoy’ is taking that mission beyond national borders.
With learners joining from North America, Europe, Australia, Malaysia, India and different parts of Bangladesh, Chhayanaut’s music classroom is no longer confined by geography.
The programme offers a new way for Bengali music education to reach people around the world while strengthening their connection with the culture and traditions of Bengal.
