Sur-O-Chhando of Connecticut

A Registered Cultural Club

The Founding Members:

Professor Nitis Mukhopadhyay and Mrs. Mahua Mukhopadhyay

Dr. Pankaj Das and Mrs. Keya Das

[In the name of our cultural group, the word "Sur" means tune or musical notes

whereas the word "Chhando" means beat or rhythm.

"Sur-O-Chhando" means both "Sur" and "Chhando" together.]

Senior members in the group give lessons in vocal music and dance styles from the Indian subcontinent. Training in the accompaniment on violin, tabla (Indian drums), harmonium, clarinet and recorder are available.

Lessons are given to all interested individuals

regardless of age, sex and ethnicity.

What is This Cultural Group About?

• Sur-O-Chhando, registered in Connecticut, is a non-profit cultural group in the Greater Hartford region.

• We make special efforts to teach the children and youths of America the music and dance styles from the Indian subcontinent. We encourage and make sure that the children and youths get the opportunity to actively participate in all our programs.

• We emphasize and spread the unique artistry of the Indian subcontinent=s music, dance and culture.

• We aim at fostering a sense of togetherness and belonging through cultural exchange.

• This group=s record of service to the community has been its benchmark.

• We have performed in cultural programs for fund-raising and other activities for schools and libraries. We do the same for other charitable organizations including churches, synagogues and temples.

• Highly acclaimed musical and dance segments have been produced upon invitation from prestigious cultural associations on numerous occasions, both in-state and out-of-state.

• We have performed in Albany, Baltimore, Boston, and cities throughout Connecticut.

• On April 8, 2000, we participated in a fund-raising Spring Festival organized by the Volunteer Society for Education in India (VSEI).

• Tagore=s dance-drama, Shyama, was staged by Sur-O-Chhando on April 15, 2000 with live music, dance and full English narration. This gorgeously choreographed performance, its entertainment value, professional presentation and scholarly interpretation, brought us over pouring praise and support from all walks of life and ethnicity.

• In June 2000, the group gave an invited recital at Yale University.

• We have donated money for the Gujarat Earthquake Fund.

• On April 15, 2001, the group organized ABaishakhi: A House Recital@ involving the students, teachers, and friends of Sur-O-Chhando.

• We produced a significant segment of a cultural program at the Connecticut Valley Hindu Temple on Saturday, June 9, 2001, during the opening of Durga Temple.

• The group showcased a special "GALA EVENING OF MUSIC AND DANCE" on Saturday, June 16, 2001 at 5:30 PM. The venue was: The Storrs Congregational Church, 2 North Eagleville Road, Storrs, Connecticut. The show was a ticketed event and it was house-full.

Need more info? Please call or send E-mail to

Mrs. Mahua Mukhopadhyay (Tel: 860-657-1661; E-mail: nmukhopadhyay@snet.net)

or call Mrs. Keya Das (Tel: 860-657-8656)

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