Strings of Tradition: Pt. Partha Bose Mesmerizes CIMAGE College with a Soulful Sitar Recital
On Thursday, 11th September 2025, the halls of CIMAGE College, Vivekanand Marg Branch, Patna resonated with the timeless charm of Indian classical music. Organized under the aegis of SPIC MACAY (Society for the Promotion of Indian Classical Music and Culture Amongst Youth), in association with the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, the event brought an unforgettable afternoon of melody, rhythm, and cultural pride for students and faculty alike.
The recital, aptly scheduled at 12:30 p.m. onwards, featured the renowned Pt. Partha Bose on the sitar, accompanied by the gifted Shri Ujjwal Bharati on the tabla. Together, they crafted an atmosphere that transported the audience into the soulful depths of Hindustani classical music.
A Legacy of Promoting Culture Among Youth
SPIC MACAY has been at the forefront of nurturing India’s cultural roots among younger generations. For over four decades, the movement has ensured that classical music, dance, and art forms are not just preserved but celebrated. The collaboration with CIMAGE College, Patna, for this sitar recital was a significant step in introducing students to the rich heritage of Indian classical music.
CIMAGE, known for blending modern education with cultural values, hosted this event as part of its ongoing initiatives to give students exposure beyond academics. The recital symbolized the institution’s vision of holistic learning—where intellectual growth is matched with emotional and cultural enrichment.
The Maestro: Pt. Partha Bose
A name synonymous with mastery over the sitar, Pt. Partha Bose is one of India’s most respected classical musicians. Known for his precision, soulful renditions, and ability to bridge tradition with innovation, he has performed on prestigious stages across the globe. His artistry lies not only in technical brilliance but also in the emotional depth he brings to every performance.
At CIMAGE, his sitar strings unfolded ragas that blended serenity with vibrancy, offering the audience both reflection and joy. For many students, this was their first live experience of classical sitar, and it left them mesmerized. The subtle nuances of each note and the improvisations carried the legacy of centuries of Indian music straight into the hearts of the listeners.
Rhythm That Complements: Shri Ujjwal Bharati on Tabla
Music is never complete without rhythm, and complementing the sitar’s melody was the powerful yet delicate tabla accompaniment by Shri Ujjwal Bharati. Known for his versatility and expertise, he brought life to the performance with his rhythmic patterns, improvisations, and synchrony with the sitar.
The interplay between sitar and tabla showcased the beauty of Indian jugalbandi—a dialogue of melody and rhythm, artistically challenging yet perfectly harmonious. Every tihai (rhythmic phrase), every beat that echoed across the auditorium, added intensity and emotion to the recital.
An Afternoon of Cultural Immersion
The recital wasn’t just a performance; it was a cultural experience. The auditorium transformed into a sacred space where tradition, discipline, and artistic excellence converged.
Students, faculty, and dignitaries sat in rapt attention, many experiencing for the first time the profound effect of classical music. The slow unfolding of ragas, the acceleration into rhythmic compositions, and the sheer command of the artists drew repeated rounds of applause and admiration.
What made the event truly unique was its timing—an afternoon session that brought calmness and focus to the otherwise busy schedules of students. It reminded them that amidst their academic pursuits, music and culture are equally powerful tools for growth and self-discovery.
CIMAGE College’s Role in Nurturing Heritage
By hosting such a significant event, CIMAGE College reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing not just future professionals but also culturally aware citizens. The collaboration with SPIC MACAY highlighted the college’s efforts to go beyond conventional education, exposing students to art forms that embody discipline, creativity, and mindfulness.
For the students of CIMAGE, the recital was a reminder of Bihar’s and India’s rich cultural legacy—a treasure trove they can carry forward in their lives and careers. Events like these reinforce the idea that education is incomplete without an appreciation for one’s heritage.
Voices of Inspiration
Several students expressed how the recital left them inspired and rejuvenated. For many, it was a first brush with live classical music, and the immersive experience gave them a newfound respect for Indian traditions. Faculty members also noted how the event added a refreshing dimension to campus life, instilling pride in India’s cultural roots.
A Celebration Beyond Music
The recital was more than just strings and rhythm—it was a celebration of Indian identity, heritage, and continuity. In today’s world where global influences dominate, events like these serve as grounding experiences, reminding young minds of their cultural roots.
SPIC MACAY and CIMAGE College together succeeded in creating not just a concert, but a memorable cultural dialogue that will echo in the memories of those who attended.
Conclusion: Strings That Touched the Soul
The sitar recital by Pt. Partha Bose, accompanied by Shri Ujjwal Bharati on tabla, became a historic moment for CIMAGE College, Patna. It wasn’t merely about listening to music—it was about feeling it, living it, and carrying its essence forward.
With every note of the sitar and every beat of the tabla, students discovered the transformative power of Indian classical music—its ability to calm the mind, inspire creativity, and build a bridge between tradition and modernity.
As the echoes of the recital faded away, one truth remained clear: music is not just entertainment, it is enlightenment. And on 11th September 2025, CIMAGE College gifted its students a glimpse of that enlightenment through the timeless magic of Indian classical music.
