A spiritual concert called Bhakti Sargam II was held on last Sunday in Richmond Hill . Three of the top Guyanese Hindu intellectuals and singers entertained the sell out crowd.

The beautiful renditions of Shri Prakash Gossai, Pandit Rajin Balgobind, and Dr Satish Prakash reminded the large audience of the sensational singing of the great Hari Om Sharan, Yesu Das, Pankhaj Udhas, Anuradha Padwal, Harihan, Jagit Singh, and Anup Jalota. The trio mesmerized the audience with their bhajans. Often referred to as the cultural ambassadors of Guyanese Hinduism, they took bhajan singing to its original glory. They were assisted by a talented group of local singers. All performed with finesse making the audience feel sublimed.

As the organisers noted, the evening’s religious concert “provided a classic demonstration of authentic Indian culture before an appreciative and knowledgeable audience, who seemed intoxicated with the nectar flowing out of bhajans and devotional songs”.

Dr. Satish Prakash, utilising his missionary fervor, rendered a number of bhajans and offered English translations for the benefit of those who do not know Hindi or Sanskrit. He is simply brilliant and causing your hair to raise with his emotional translations and applications of the bhajans meanings to real life experiences. Satish-ji has produced a bhajan book, a number of CDs, and that he sang regularly during his numerous “pravachan” (sermon) at the Maharshi Dayananda Gurukula and written several books.

Shri Prakash Gossai, rendered a number of popular bhajans, including “Yaha kasta haran …” and tujhe suraj ah kaho ye chanda,” much to the delight of the audience. He was his outstanding self and his performance was so appreciated that that the audience asked him to continue singing. He obliged by rendering two more beautiful bhajans.

Pandit Rajin Balgobind, who sat in the audience throughout the program, stepped to the stage amid loud applause. He was different from the other two singers turning to folk singing as a form of worship. He rendered a number of folk songs that contained rich lyrics, and pulsating rhythms. One person noted, “his melodious and powerful voice resonated with the audience, and noticing their animation, he invited them to join in the chorus”. He was terrific and the crowd related to his type of singing which they used to hear from the older generation. Pt Rajin Balgobind must be highly commended for reviving this (folk song) art form within the Guyanese community. He is bringing the art form back to life.

There were several guest appearances by Pandit Manoj Jadubans, an Asst Priest of the Bhuvaneshwar Mandir, and Gee ta Bisram, the lead singer of Angels Band. Benny Parag, only 12 year old, cast a spell over the audience with his superb rendition of classical songs.

The music for Bhakti Sargam II was provided by the popular Angels Orchestra. The Bulbul Tarang (Indian sitar/guitar) player, Bashir, was masterful, and so was the tabla player, Anand Persaud. Ms Poonam Phagu, a recent graduate in Rangapravesam of the Omna Ancient Arts Center , performed an invocation dance, “bhajumana saa,” that was dedicated to Lord Ganesha. “She performed with such dexterity that Dr Satish Prakash was left mesmerized, while Shri Prakash Gossai, watched in bewilderment”, said a member of the audience. Other outstanding performances were put in by the Sahara Dance Troupe (that did the “tarana”) and the Natraj Center for the Performing Arts. They danced with grace and elegance, and sent a powerful message that they will not be outdone by the versatile and more illustrious singers. The emcee, Kishore Seunarine, did an excellent job synchronising the various acts in symmetry.

I commend the organizers for a marvelous production of Bhakti Sargam II. They have reconnected us to the lord. Also, they have refocused a large number of Guyanese back to their cultural roots.

Congratulations go out to all the performers and organizers! You have done this community proud. Keep on shining!
VISHNU BISRAM