Two police officers sing songs at their respective police stations in Malda to help relieve the fatigue and melancholy of colleagues who are at the forefront of the fight against Covid-19.

Madan Mohan Roy, the inspector-in-charge of Englishbazar police station, and Tridip Pramanik, who holds the same post at Baishnabnagar, are happy that their songs have earned appreciation from the force.

The duo’s melodious performances are encouraged by Malda district police chief Alok Rajoria.

Over 200 police personnel, right from the rank of constable to deputy superintendent, and some civic volunteers have been infected with the novel coronavirus so far. While many of them have recovered, others are still under treatment.

Tridip Pramanik Picture by Soumya De Sarkar

Roy, who got no formal training in singing, cherished the urge to sing publicly since his childhood. Being prompted by his knack for cultural activities, the Englishbazar IC has performed drama, recitation and songs since his teenage days.

“However, in 2013, I started singing seriously. The skill is now helping me provide some musical relief
to my colleagues. They are playing a praiseworthy role during the pandemic and often request me to sing some popular songs. I try to oblige them by singing Rabindrasangeet and modern Bengali songs,” said Roy, who is an ardent fan of singers Shyamal Mitra and Bhupen Hazarika.

Somdev Goswami, an assistant sub-inspector at the Englishbazar police station, is also happy to rejuvenate his nearly forgotten experience of playing the “tabla”.

“I accompany IC sir while he sings and stress is largely relieved,” the young officer said.

Pramanik, the inspector-in-charge of Baishnabnagar police station, has also amazed the colleagues with songs. “I have no professional training in music. My mother’s melodious humming encouraged me to sing on my own. While I was posted in Bolpur, its proximity to Santiniketan helped me nurture my passion for singing. Now, I sing Rabindrasangeet mostly and help my colleagues forget the exhaustion with the ever inspiring notes by Tagore,” Pramanik said.

The officer said Hemanta Mukherjee and Sandhya Mukherjee were his icons in music.

Roy and Pramanik regularly perform at their respective police stations.

The talents of these two officers have been appreciated by Malda SP Rajoria.

“They sing really well. Even their songs help me to have fresh energy and happiness. Our men are fighting against Covid-19 with their best ability. The way Roy and Pramanik are trying to help them get energised is indeed laudable,” he said.