Team
Prof. T.Sankaranarayanan
EX.PROFFESSOR &PRINCIPAL
SANGEET BHABAN ,VISWA BHARATI UNIVERSITY
SHANTINIKETAN.
President & Chief Advisor ,Gandharv Kala Sangam.
A revered Kathakali maestro with over seven decades of dedication, he has profoundly impacted the cultural landscapes of West Bengal and Kerala. Based in Santiniketan since 1978, he enriched Visva-Bharati University as Head of Department and Principal, nurturing generations of artists and promoting Indian classical arts. His tireless efforts in teaching, performing, and curriculum development preserved Kathakali’s authenticity while making it accessible globally. In Kerala, his roots shaped his mastery in traditional roles and storytelling, while in West Bengal, he blended Kathakali with Tagore’s dance dramas, fostering cross-cultural appreciation. A mentor, examiner, and cultural ambassador, he remains a guiding force in sustaining and advancing the artistic heritage of both states as well as entire country .
Saswati Chatterjee
Chairperson, hails from Asansol with roots in Kolkata. Raised in coalfield regions, she faced challenges but was supported by a culturally rich and socially active family. A double master's degree holder in English and History, she trained in dance, music, and traditional art forms. A nature lover, she also enjoys gardening and painting. Inspired by her upbringing and hardships, she committed herself to promoting art and culture, aiming to create opportunities for the underserved.
Her love for Indian culture and traditions inspired her to create a platform offering opportunities to nurture hidden talents, preventing them from fading away unnoticed and giving them a chance to truly flourish.According to her, culture goes beyond dance, music, and art—it also includes everyday traditional practices like cooking, flower and floor decoration, home décor, pickling, beauty care, stitching, embroidery, and handicrafts. These creative activities, often seen as hobbies, can be promoted, mainstreamed, and turned into sources of livelihood for both men and women, preserving cultural heritage while supporting economic empowerment through traditional skills.
According to her, culture goes beyond dance, music, and art—it also includes everyday traditional practices like cooking, flower and floor decoration, home décor, pickling, beauty care, stitching, embroidery, and handicrafts. These creative activities, often seen as hobbies, can be promoted, mainstreamed, and turned into sources of livelihood for both men and women, preserving cultural heritage while supporting economic empowerment through traditional skills.
She began her career as a school teacher, serving in both small and large institutions, notably spending many years at D.A.V. Public School, Raniganj, under the Arya Samaj organization. Influenced deeply by her parents, Late Parimal Guha and Ms. Bandana Guha, and teachers at Assembly of God Church School, Asansol, especially Principal P. Malvia, she imbibed strong values, discipline, and ethics. Her journey was further enriched by the DAV ethos, blending Vedic culture with global perspectives. Principal Ms. Kalyani Nayak of DAV Raniganj greatly shaped her organizational skills and resilience, instilling discipline and values that guided her through challenges.
Bhusati Chatterjee
ARTIST & TEACHER
FOUNDER EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBER OF GANDHARV KALA SANGAM
Bhusati Chatterjee, an alumna of Rabindra Bharati University, Kolkata, is a renowned exponent of Indian Art and Culture and a distinguished Bharatnatyam artist. With decades of experience as an educator and social worker, she is dedicated to empowering underprivileged children and women through free training in classical dance and cultural education. As a passionate teacher and mentor, she actively conducts and participates in seminars aimed at promoting Indian cultural heritage and values among the younger generation. Her lifelong commitment to the preservation and dissemination of traditional art forms reflects her deep-rooted dedication to social upliftment and cultural enrichment.
Ranjan Narayan Chakraborty
Hailing from a family of teachers and educated at Visva-Bharati University, Shantiniketan, is a distinguished artist trained under maestros like T. Sankaranarayanan, Kalamandalam Murali, and Kabrabam Jatindra Singh (Jiten Da). Specialised in Bharatanatyam, Manipuri, and Kathakali, he began his career teaching across Bengal. Gaining fame as a mime artist and classical dancer, he actively promoted rural talent and Rabindric styles. Despite later health challenges, he remained committed to cultural promotion. A founder member and strong supporter of the trust, his tireless contributions to the arts—especially in rural areas—are deeply commendable. His legacy continues to inspire generations in the field of Indian classical dance and cultural development.
Shounak Chatterjee
An alumnus of St. Patrick’s School, Asansol, higher education from the University of Calcutta, is a founding Executive Board member of the trust. Belonging to a socially, culturally, and philosophically enriched family, he inherited a passion for education ,culture and service from his mother and maternal lineage his grandfather, and deep ethical values, resilience, and compassion from his paternal roots - his grandfather and father. An economist with a reputed Finland-based MNC, he continues to support his mother’s dream project—Gandharv Kala Sangam – The Pulse of India—despite his demanding career. Passionate about music, especially the guitar, along with painting and sports, he believes modern schoolchildren are drifting away from hobbies, which are vital to holistic growth. He urges parents, educators, and institutions to cultivate awareness and encourage nurturing of talents to shape well-rounded individuals. His rich insights and timely economic advice significantly contribute to the trust’s initiatives for social development, making him a key force behind its success. A true humanitarian, Shounak exemplifies how values and vision together build a better tomorrow.
Thakurdas Hembram
A dedicated social activist from Bankura, West Bengal, has tirelessly worked for the upliftment of tribal communities. Coming from a traditional agricultural tribal family, he faced many hardships in accessing education. To bridge the gap, he started a free school for children and a night centre for adult education. His deep involvement in social development includes promoting tribal culture and empowering youth through education. He inspired many to pursue higher studies, helping them secure jobs in private and government sectors. As the founder and first Treasurer of Gandharv Kala Sangam – The Pulse of India, he played a key role in showcasing tribal talent and cultural heritage across various platforms.
Hapna Tudu
From a traditional tribal family in remote Bankura district, West Bengal, lived a simple life rooted in agriculture and primitive culture. His ancestors were once hunters, but over time, agriculture and cultural practices became their main livelihood. After basic education, he developed a passion for sports, representing the tribal community at village, block, district, and higher levels. He also mastered tribal instruments and actively participated in cultural events. Deeply involved in social upliftment, he worked with various organizations. Recognizing his rich experience, he was appointed founder Executive Board member of Gandharv Kala Sangam. His insights and dedication greatly benefit the trust, making him a valuable voice for tribal representation and development.
