Bengali single ‘Amar Kolkata’ by Vivek Kumar, was recently released by Asha Audio Company, Kolkata. Vivek Kumar is currently posted as Additional Chief Secretary in the Government of West Bengal. He is a recipient of the State’s ‘Rajya Sangit Samman’.

The song is unique in many ways. It has been sung by a civil servant and not a professional musician. The singer sings in Bengali although his mother tongue is Hindi (he learned Bangla only after joining the Indian Administrative Service and arriving in West Bengal in 1991).

According to Vivek, the song is an ode to the humane character and unique qualities of Kolkata, which constantly renews itself without giving up on its famed compassion, inclusiveness, and tolerance.

Based on Vivek Kumar’s visual imagery and thoughts, the lyrics have been written by Subrata Ghosh Roy.

Kunal Chakraborty has made the musical arrangements based on Vivek’s music score and direction. The backing vocals/ chorus are also done by Vivek.

The song is of three minutes duration.

Priyanka Dutta