n the evening of 14th of June, 2024, the walls of the Dr. John Berry White Auditorium, Assam Medical College, Dibrugarh, resounded with music and emotion: a celebration of the journey and achievements of a young pianist - Devanga Bidrum Kalita - and an expression of gratitude to all those who supported him on this journey. Devanga, who was born with a learning disability, started learning piano at age of ten in 2004 under Manoj Sengupta and later Pradeep Sharma’s tutelage.
Despite his challenges, Devanga took to the piano with great dedication. From 2006, he started travelling from Dibrugarh to Guwahati to study at the Sabdarupa School of Music founded by Rupam Talukdar. There he was taught by Ghana Kanta Deka, pianist and vocalist and Honorary Local Representative for Assam of the Associated Board of Royal School of Music, London.
From there Devanga went on to study Western Classical Music at the AR Rahman Foundation KM Music Conservatory, Chennai, culminating in a year-long study at Middlesex University London, that secured him his BA Honours Music with specialization in Western Classical Piano. After returning to India, he pursued his MA Music from Martin Luther Christian University, Shillong. More than 500 people gathered for the instrumental recital, featuring Devanga and two of his teachers - Ghana Kanta Deka and Rupam Talukdar.
The event started with moving words of appreciation from many of those who have known Devanga and seen him grow over the years. Dr. Deepak Sh.