The Bangiya Sanskritik Sangha recently organised a Baul Sangeet programme by Arjun Mondal on Wednesday, who hails from Nadia district of West Bengal, at Keyes High School as part of Durga Puja celebrations.
Arjun sang many baul songs including those of the famous Lalon Fakir. Says the singer, “Lalon Fakir was a baul saint, writer and social reformer who was very much against religious and caste segregation in society. According to Lalon, the society comprises only of men and women. It does not matter if someone is a Hindu or a Muslim or is from an upper or lower caste. For Lalon Fakir, living in harmony was of utmost importance.
“I have performed all over the world. There are many Baul enthusiasts, especially in Japan and London. There are research scholars who contact me from different parts of the world and who keenly follow the roots and traditions of Baul Gayan. Today baul singers get good support from the government of West Bengal in the form of monthly financial stipends."
The writer is musician, creator of ‘Jaywant Guitar’ and a freelance photographer
