The Music of the souls in Hong Kong
In conversation with the founder Mr.Suresh Purswaney.
Founded by Mr Suresh Pursawney over a decade ago. Sur Sadhna is not just a place for music jamming in leisure time. But is a place where the soulful music lovers of Hong Kong follow the principle of devotion and dedication for the saat swar of Indian music, and hence the group befits the name “Sur Sadhna.” It requires the keen interest and punctuality of musically inclined people who sing and inspire the whole group to get versatility in every aspect of music.
Suresh Purswaney mentioned to Gary from A-Desiflava Magazine “Before each session, we seek the blessings of Maa Saraswati (known as the goddess of Sangeet) by chanting mantras. After that, we begin with a bhajan to offer our gratitude to God. Only after this do we begin our session.”
“All the members are committed to singing in Sur and Taal and take exquisite care to learn the lyrics and conduct themselves with utmost seriousness towards the art of singing. The emphasis is on learning and improvement. The general environment is for everyone to encourage participation, and it has been seen that the standard of rendition has improved over the years. There is always a very senior musician on the keyboard for accompaniment, a tablanawaz, and some of the members themselves play the harmonium and rhythmic instruments. Sur Sadhna uses excellent audio equipment like multiple microphones, mixers, amplifiers, and speakers.”
“In addition to members singing songs of their choice, each session usually has a theme round and healthy competition and prizes. The venue is decorated according to the occasion, whether it be Diwali, New Year, Independence Day, Valentine’s day, or any other event. Almost every month there is a birthday cake to celebrate the birthday of a member.
Overall the atmosphere is not only one of serious singing but also of fun and festive.” “Sur Sadhna also actively participates in social events. The team has been invited to perform on Independence day and has sung patriotic songs at the Consulate General of India in Hong Kong. Our team has also delivered stage performances at the Indian Arts Circle, where the participants were honored with certificates and prizes.”
Dr Sutinder Bindra one of the key member’s of the group added “Our group also organizes outdoor activities and get-togethers. These have included a boat trip, an overnight stay at a picnic resort, and a hike and day picnic. This is all thanks to the Purswaney household, where Mr. Suresh leads, improvising & innovating continually and relentlessly. At the same time, his wife Karen and lovely daughters Menka and Karishma support him in organizing games on special occasions and outdoor parties. It is admirable & baffling that every member of this family is well-aligned to serve. The group owes gratitude to Mr. Suresh Purswaney for coordinating all sessions and activities and providing a comfortable venue, infrastructure, and hospitality.”
Suresh Purswaney, said “let me introduce our key and most active members of Sur Sadhana.
Firstly, introducing myself as the founder and president of our musical group”.
Suresh Purswaney (Founder and President)
“As a child, I enjoyed singing and music and participated in several school programs. As life progressed, I began working and later running a business. By working hard to keep my business thriving, music and singing were shelved for many years. Until one day, in my very own home, my multi talented daughter Menka hosted a singing party. You never know where inspiration comes from, and that afternoon My daughter’s singing party rekindled my passion. I decided all is good but with music all is even better. As it is said, the earth without art is just eh.”
“From then on, there was no turning back. I committed to singing and bringing together those who loved to sing under one team name, SUR SADHNA.”
“I am a hard-working business and family man, but I find the time to balance it all with music. I love to experiment with music from different eras. I believe there is no end to learning. I practice twice a week, and music has become my priority.”
Ashima Naithani
“I am a happy go lucky person living a melodious life in Hong Kong for over a decade. I am a mum of two little girls. Professionally, I’m a Business Management post graduate and passionately I’m a singer. I am extremely lucky to have people in my life who teach and encourage me in my pursuit of music.”
Gaurang Soni
“I’m an avid music lover and a true believer of Music is the universal language of mankind. Music is my passion, I love to sing, I play the guitar. Most importantly, it gives me peace of mind.”
Krishna Bhakta Mahajan (Tablanawaz)
I’m a professional musician, and music is my life and living. I’ve been providing the support of percussion to the group- Sur Sadhana. I’ve received numerous rewards, & awards from many Prestigious Institutions in Hong Kong. And, I am the first go-to man
when it comes to anything related to musical even arrangement in Hong Kong. Since, I do this as a profession, its very important for my abilities to be top-class at all times.
Mahasweta Majumder
Namaskaar everyone, myself Mahasweta Majumder a singer by passion, a freelance interpreter by profession. I started learning Hindusthani Classical music at a very tender age from my aunty Smt. Ira Roy and I’m blessed to have her as my guru, I have completed my Sangeet Visharad degree under her guidance. In 2007 I moved to Hong Kong, I work with HK Judiciary and other government departments. I am proud to be a part of Sur Sadhana group. In 2019, I became a member and my musical journey still continues with this wonderful group.
Medha Shrivastava
I believe that music rejuvenates the mind and revives the soul. I opened my eyes in a family where I found my pious mother enjoying the musical, mellifluous notes with melodious ease. This musical ambience became the main building block of my passion for music. During my school days, I learnt Indian Classical dance style Kathak which turned out to be the core foundation in my musical journey.
Songs of Lata Ji & AR Rehman are my prime source of inspiration. It enthralls and motivates me to gothat extra mile while practicing to evolve myself.
After moving to HongKong some two years back, I was fortunate enough to associate myself with Sur Sadhna– A Musical group that flourishes and nourishes the likeminded musical talents. This write-up won’t be consummated until I express my gratitude to my life-mate Udit for his constant support and love.
Nagendra Shrestha
I’m a professional singer-composer with expertise in all types of contemporary, modern and film music. I’ve been a singer-composer for over 40 years & living here in Hong Kong for 30 years. As I mentioned earlier, I sang varieties songs more than 40 songs back in Nepal also. Over 200 varieties of themes have been composed during the past years. So many famous singers have sung my composed songs such as tremendous vocalist Deepa Narayan Jha who hasher own name, fame & identity in Indian, Nepalese music & film industry. Besides that, melody queen of Nepal Anju Panta has sung my several beautiful songs, so it might not be so precious & worthy without my composed songs & good lyrics. As my professional career is smoothly running on in the music industry, I don’t mind composing any Hindi or Nepali language. There is only one language in this world: music, my entire life spend on it & to continue. Thank you.
Narayan Moorthy
S.Narayanmoorthy has been a member of Sur Sadhana from its inception and also is a talent scout in inducting new members
Niral Ranpura Soni
Hi! My name is Niral Ranpura Soni. It was the February of 2020 when I was first introduced to the Sur Sadhna family by a fellow member Mr. Gaurang Soni. I was a bit nervous about singing with the Master Musicians playing the music in the background and all the proficient members of the Sur Sadhna family witnessing your song. But once I started to sing, I was surprised that my song went so smooth due to the musical vibes present in the atmosphere and the enthusiastic, supportive, and motivating members. We here get together to enjoy and celebrate the aura of the music. At the same time, despite no one judging you, you get to learn so many things from the versatility of each member, including the musicians. We have all become a family now. Along with enjoying music, we also celebrate our musical sessions with the themes of the Indian festivals. We also plan family picnics, hikes, junk boat parties, etc., with the families of the members, and also make sure that music is a part of such gatherings. I am incredibly thankful to Mr. Suresh Purswaney and Mrs. Karen Purswaney for always warmly welcoming us and allowing us to learn, enjoy and cherish every musical evening spent together. Thank you!
Sanjeev Verma
Hi, my name is Sanjeev Verma, and I moved to Hong Kong in 2010. I was born on 11-Jan 1976 in the holy city of Varanasi. After pursuing my graduation from Mumbai University, I ventured into the world of shipping in 1996 and working in this profession for the last 25 years.
I started singing at the age of 10, with Mukesh jee as my favorite singer. I never had a chance to attain any formal music lessons, but singing has been my passion since then. I like signing all types of songs, from my father’s generation to my son’s favorite numbers. In my free time, I love listening to my songs recorded on Smule. My other passion is to play Badminton. These two passion keeps me busy every day.
Dr. Sutinder Bindra
I play the harmonium and I’m an avid singer of ghazals and melodies of fifties and sixties. I have special passion and repertoire for Rafi Sahab songs. I’m one of the most regular attendee and also the amateur sound technician for my team.
Vinith Rao
I’m a banking professional, and very passionate about old Hindi film songs. Rarely, I would ever sing any songs from after the mid-1980s. I developed this interest in music while listening to songs on Vividh Bharati during my formative years in Kanpur, India. Relatively new to Hong Kong (a little over 5 years), I was introduced to Sur Sadhana by a friend who heard me sing in informal gatherings. Although I’m an untrained singer, I’ve learnt to play the Tabla for many years during my schooling.
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Some important event’s
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If any avid music lovers and singers based in Hong Kong, wish to take their skills to the next the level, may send your audio/video clip to the founder of the group Mr Suresh Purswaney at whatsapp 91 99 6345 and after approval , you will be invited as a guest singer to our next session to show your talent.
Article by : Sur Sadhana Team with the help of Mr.Suresh Purswaney. Compiled and re-edited by A-Desiflava Magazine team.
