Md Mamun Hossain, Pabna

The vibrant evenings in the heart of Pabna city, once filled with music and melody, had suddenly fallen silent in deep sorrow. The veteran musical maestro who freely distributed the light of music among the youth across the city—Pralay Chaki—left for the realm of no return. However, his dream journey has not come to a halt.

Holding tightly onto the torch of music lit by his father, his son, Sani Chaki, has taken charge. As a result, in a new setting and modern attire, the cultural organization ‘Saptasur’ has found new life. Every Friday afternoon, regular sessions of music and conversation (adda) are taking place once again.

According to local cultural activists, to the music lovers of Pabna, ‘Saptasur’ is not merely an organization; rather, it is a reliable sanctuary for emerging artists. Founded in 2012 under the guidance of Pralay Chaki, the primary goal of this institution was to provide quality music education free of charge. Essential techniques such as the proper use of microphones, breath control in vocal delivery, scales, fundamental concepts of chords, and classical music were taught here with perfection.

In search of pure melody, he used to wander through the alleyways of the city. If a passing rickshaw puller or a common person casually sang a tune, he would warmly invite them to his musical shelter.

To help artists express themselves more easily, he established a modern recording studio named ‘Studio Krittim’ on the advice of his son, Sani Chaki. Songs recorded there by young artists spread across digital platforms, earning praise not only from domestic and international listeners but also from revered veteran musicians.

In 2024, the activities of Saptasur came to an involuntary halt. Although he dreamed of normalizing the situation and restarting the musical sessions, Pralay Chaki did not live to see it. He breathed his last on January 11, 2025.

To keep his father's unfinished work alive, Sani Chaki has taken to the field with renewed initiative. He shared that the operations have been restarted while keeping his father’s core purpose intact. Along with vocal practice (rewaz), arrangements have now been made for art classes and guitar training for children.

Sani Chaki and his young team are working tirelessly to sustain the legacy left behind by music devotee Pralay Chaki. They seek overall cooperation from everyone in this effort to enrich the cultural scene of Pabna.