Piano Man of Kolkata

I don’t know his name. I am not sure if any of us does. He is one of those most insignificant mango people in Kolkata. He works in Braganza’s music store and can play almost all musical instruments impeccably. Apart from selling the instruments, he will entertain you with music for hours. If you hum a Rabindra Sangeet, he is sure to play it on the piano. Take your chance and sing any classic Bengali number, he will surprise you with the musical accompaniment.

When he plays, he doesn't look at you. It seems as if he is engrossed in his music. If you try and strike up a conversation, he will humbly tell you that he has never learnt music. It is all a gift of the job he has with the store. For years, he has been with the store, selling stuff…and, more than that, cherishing the music that he spreads all around.

I don’t know how much he earns. I am not sure if his children are well nourished and educated. I don’t know if his wife has ever heard of the brand names common in the malls. I can’t tell if he even knows the technical jargon of the music he plays. But he sure seems happy.

Kudos to you, mango man, for keeping up the spirit of life!