Tanmoy and Bonnya Liberal Arts or Tabla inc brought medical practitioners and performing artists under one roof to discuss the therapeutic values of music. Meds and Muse, held at Wasabee restaurant saw theatre veteran Dolly Basu; singer and lecturer of psychology Somlata Acharyya Chowdhury; Bharatanatyam exponent Sohini Roychowdhury; Sutapa Talukdar, Oddisi danseuse, and singer Ujjaini Mukherjee join medical practitioners like
Dr Rupali Basu, managing director and CEO Woodlands Hospital; Dr Laila Baig, surgeon Belle Vue Clinic and founder of Digestive Surgery Clinic;
Dr Varsha Majumdar, nephrologist physician, AMRI Hospital and Dr Rima Mukherjee, mental health expert.
The session was moderated by Jeena Mitra Banik.
Starting off, Dr Rima shared her vision for transforming mental healthcare. She said: “I founded Crystal Minds with the goal of revolutionizing mental healthcare and introducing a holistic approach to well-being.” Taking over, Dr Varsha emphasised the importance of medical professionals in maintaining balance. She said: “Doctors play a vital role in providing physical and mental balance during difficult times or in sustaining overall wellness.”Making the discussion more dynamic was Sohini Roychowdhury. The internationally acclaimed Bharatanatyam dancer, choreographer and author, and founder of Sohinimoksha World Dance & Communications said: “I have witnessed the power of music in uplifting spirits. Even in the most challenging circumstances, playing my late father’s favourite music brings a smile to my mother's face, acting like an adrenaline rush.”
Emphasising on the importance of holistic medicine Dr Rupali Basu said: “In the era of complex lifestyles, it’s important to focus on disease prevention. Aside from business and family obligations, having me time allows engagement in creative and calming arts that boost the secretion of happy hormones, making us happier.” She also spoke fondly of her early days of learning music and waking up to her mother’s melodies.Taking over from Dr Rupali was veteran dancer Sutapa Talukdar who spoke about the transformative impact of dance. She also narrated a moment when she overcame a pre-show obstacle by dancing. “Those who engage in dance and music often excel, sometimes even leading fulfilling lives without relying heavily on medication,” she said.Singer Ujjaini Mukherjee spoke about her experiences and the rehabilitative value of music during the lockdown period. She also sang a few songs that touched the panellists and everyone present at the venue. Mukherjee’s contemporary, Somlata, a powerful singer and instructor in psychology at Asutosh College, shared how music gave her strength at trying times. She shared the instance when while on the way to a concert, she received the devastating news that her father had passed away, but she decided to go on with the performance since she thought that was what her father would have wanted.
Bonnya Bose, founder and director of Tabla inc, expressed her gratitude to medical experts and musicians emphasising the tremendous impact they have on society. She said: “Meds and Muse was organised to establish a connection between medical professionals and performing artists in our city. These two vocations are crucial in reducing the stress of everyday life. It was a pleasure to welcome my beloved friends, who are great models of strong women who are always supporting society’s well-being.”
Zainab Khanam (t2 intern)Pictures: Rashbehari Das