By SEETA PERSAD Saturday, August 1 2009

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Satrupa Sesnarayan of New Grant, Princes Town. ...

Teenage singing sensation, Satrupa Sesnarayan took the Surinamese stage by storm at the Immigration Day celebration at Paramaribo recently. The youngster who is from New Grant in Princes Town thrilled the Surinamese performers who were present as many congratulated her saying that she was indeed an inspiration. She sang the traditional classical tune “Aja Nandalal,” in keeping with the theme of the celebration of “Classic Songs.” “I believe that a performer should be able to reach their audience and entertain them,” Satrupa said.

Talking from her own studio at her home, Satrupa seems to be a very focussed individual. She told Newsday that she sets goals in life and she strives with everything she has to achieve them. Even at this young age she is already a tutor to scores of young people who come to her for training in vocals and harmonium.

In answering the question as to why is she dedicating so much of her time toward the promotion of the authentic style music and songs she said, “I feel a lot of the youths in the performing arts are going for the “quick-fix” of contemporary style music and dance and not taking the time to learn the art.” This she says can result in performers losing the original touch and the real source of music and vocals. The singer emphasises that having a good voice might be a great attribute but learning the ragas (musical scales according to Indian music) and the taals (rhythms) are of paramount importance in order to excel in the art.

She said that the art of classical singing is being practised in the Indian subcontinent for ages. “The art is popular, not as a form of entertainment, but as a means of connecting with the divine being. In fact, it is considered as one of the basic ways through which a human being can connect with God,” she stated, adding that the distinct forms of melodies or ragas sung by classical singers, have divine quality in them, which can help an individual in meditating.

Satrupa recently completed her A Level studies (CAPE) at Corinth Sixth Form College in San Fernando. She is past student of Robert Village Hindu School and St Stephen’s College. She receives Hindustani vocal training from the renowned Mungal Patasar. Born in the home of popular bhajans singer, Vikram Sesnarayan (her father), little Satrupa had a natural liking for songs with religious meaning. Both Satrupa and her only sister Nirmala are now ranking among the best singers of traditional songs in the country.

Satrupa began singing at the age of five at Robert Village Hindu School for the annual Ball Vikas competition. Since then she has not turned back. She participated in many singing contests through her school and always manages to place very high. In the five consecutive years she sang in Baal Vikas Festival she placed in the top three in the Local Classical Singing Category. She was a finalist of National Council for Indian Culture talent show Coca Cola Teen Talent Competitions (2004), and Children of Mastana (1998). She was also a top performers at the Gandhi Foundation Youth Competition last year.