Student Leader Interview - Sarbjit Dutta, St. Xavier's College

                                 

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1. Tell us more about your roles and responsibilities at your college? 

The music industry calls for unprecedented opportunities and responsibilities. Especially, in the genre of Eastern Classical Music, the path is yet too improvable. Since music is essentially a 'performing art', the main responsibility in such a field lies in putting up performances, both live and recorded. I have been associated with the music club of our college. As a matter of fact, I have participated in various inter and intra college musical events. I have also been associated with a few recording projects, which is again a very different experience. There's also an immense responsibility, in this field, to develop oneself as a musician with time. In this matter, I have been an ardent leaner. I have been taking my music lessons from my 'Guru' for quite a long time now. 

2. How did you rise up to your position and how can a student aspiring the same, approach it? 

The key to reaching a respectable position in the music industry is by learning music to an appropriate level. Obviously, there's an unsolicited contribution of luck. But I believe that's in all the fields and spheres of life. One might argue that one has to luckier to establish oneself as a musician. Yet again, we must remember that 'fortune favors the prepared mind'. Thus, proper training is extremely necessary for someone to rise in position as a musician. 

3. What have been some of your biggest challenges and learnings from what you do? 

The biggest challenge so far has been to keep up with the impression that people have about me. I must admit that were times when I could not quite live up to the expectations of my audience. But again, that's what life is all about. There will be multiple instances of success and failure. It is these instances that come as an indelible source of learning. 'Learning' or acquiring knowledge in the true sense of the term, comes from our lifelong experiences. It has not been an exception to me. 

4. What did you do in your current role that makes you feel really proud of yourself? 

Well, I have had a few extremely successful concerts which when I think of, at a later time in my life, gives me a feeling of inner satisfaction. I do not know whether 'pride' is the right word for it. But satisfaction is definitely what could really feel from the very core of my heart. Though it is said that the true evaluation of performance lies in the level of satisfaction of the performer. But I think the appreciation of the audience adds a lot of vigor to it. Of course, nowadays the audience is not too skeptical about one's performance. However, you can really figure out from their expressions whether they are actually faking out their appreciation. I have been quite lucky to have received an overwhelming response from the audience in the above-mentioned concerts. I am quite self-satisfied and self-contained about my experiences. 

5. What's your message to encourage students to do internships and attend conferences? 

Well, the music industry doesn't really allow much of internships unless one is associated with music editing and production. However, a performer needs to attend conferences and workshops. We do have a few exceptionally good conferences here in Kolkata like the ones arranged by ITC SRA. Above all, one must attend concerts and recitals. The scope of one's improvement and true leaning experience comes from music concerts. It is very important to observe how great musicians perform if you want to improve yourself as a musician. 

Interviewed by - Akanksha