Barun Kumar Pal

Barun Kumar Pal playing the slide guitar

Barun Kumar Pal was born into an enlightened family in the vibrant city of Dhaka, Bangladesh. He spent his childhood in close proximity to illustrious stalwarts of Indian Classical Music, such as the revered Prof. Nikhil Banerjee and the legendary Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia. Barun's father, Mr. Bankim Kumar Pal, was a senior Sitar player belonging to the esteemed Ustad Enayat Khan Gharana. Because of this rich musical heritage, Barun was fortunate enough to be initiated into the world of Indian Classical Music at a very young age, when he was just five years old. This early introduction played a crucial role in shaping his musical journey. As a child prodigy, he had the extraordinary privilege of performing in various formats including solo, duet, trio, and orchestra of Indian Classical Music on the Guitar for All India Radio. His remarkable talent led him to perform before eminent personalities such as Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and international leaders like Chou En-Lai. In his formative years, Barun developed a profound fascination for the Hawaiian Guitar, which fueled his single-minded dedication to mastering this unique instrument. He resolved to devote his heart and soul to the Hawaiian Guitar, striving to elevate its recognition and status as a legitimate instrument within the realm of Indian Classical Music.

His unwavering efforts and earnestness captured the attention of the Great Musician and Guru, Pandit Ravi Shankar, who subsequently took Barun under his tutelage. Throughout his illustrious career, Barun has graced numerous stages and delivered captivating performances all over the world. Pandit Ravi Shankar himself praised Barun's prowess, stating, "Barun is an outstanding Hawaiian guitar player of North Indian Classical Music. I recommend him as a top concert artist and teacher.... He has a very sweet temperament." Additionally, Barun received a personal note from George Bush, the President of the United States, on July 2, 1991, expressing his best wishes for an enjoyable conference and future success, adding, "God bless you."

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