On World Environment Day, distinguished instrumentalist, composer, and Grammy jury Pandit Prodyut Mukherjee observed a tree-planting program within the premises of the home of the legendary Rabindra Sangeet exponent Kanika Bandyopadhyay. to mark the centenary of Rabindranath Tagore’s play *Raktakarabi* (Red Oleanders), a sapling of the *Raktakarabi* plant was ceremonially planted in the courtyard of Kanika Bandyopadhyay’s residence in Santiniketan. This initiative was undertaken in collaboration with the ‘Mohor Bithika Angan organization. Priyam Mukherjee and Ritapa Bhattacharya performed the Rabindra Sangeet , “Marubijoyer Ketan Urao” to grace the occasion.
The planting of the *Raktakarabi* sapling serves as a special tribute. This soil is not only a land of self-sacrifice but also a land steeped in music and culture. Such an initiative—undertaken in Santiniketan, the very soil that brought solace to Rabindranath Tagore’s soul and peace to his spirit—holds particular significance as it took place within the residential premises of the legendary Rabindra Sangeet exponent, Kanika Bandyopadhyay. The artist’s family members expressed their delight at this meaningful endeavor. It was graced by the august presence of Pandit Prodyut Mukherjee, Priyam Mukherjee, Ritapa Bhattacharya, among others.
Pandit Prodyut Mukherjee remarked, “June 5th marks not only World Environment Day but also my birthday. If the very earth on which I have grown up—and from whose air I draw my breath—is not kept healthy, what legacy shall we leave behind for our own generation and for the generations to come? On a previous occasion, I had undertaken a tree-planting initiative using discarded musical instruments; that project proved to be both aesthetically pleasing and functionally effective. This time, I have come to this hallowed land to plant a tree—an act that, for me, represents a profound honor, a source of pride, and an expression of deep reverence.” Speaking on behalf of ‘Mohor Bithika Angan,’ Priyam Mukherjee and Ritapa Bhattacharya stated, “*Raktakarabi* stands as a true milestone in literature; thus, undertaking such an initiative to commemorate its centenary holds a significance that runs deep.” The entire event was conceptualized and curated by noted public relations professional Sudipta Chanda.omk
Regards!