The destruction caused by #CycloneAmphan has touched every life in Bengal in some way or the other. Whether poor or privileged, all had to bow to nature’s fury and at a time when the world is reeling under the effects of Covid-19 and is in lockdown. Percussionist Bickram Ghosh’s house, though a sturdy building built in the 1950s, has seen severe damage too.
“Amphan has caused unimaginable damage to Bengal. Some have lost their lives, livelihood and shelters too. Compared to that our loss is not a big deal. But my family and I could only stare as we saw our terrace glass room’s fibre roof flying off. The next day, there was shattered glass everywhere. The place holds a lot of memories as we had hosted many musical gatherings there,” he said.
Amid intermittent phone and internet connectivity his recording work is on a halt now. Though they were lucky to have electricity throughout in Keyatala Road off Golpark, his studio still doesn’t have wifi. But the percussionist empathises with those who have lost their only roof over the head. “Our househelp, who comes from rural Bengal, has lost all her belongings and her house has just blown away. I can’t even imagine her plight. This is the time to come together to help the people of Bengal. At least, we should try to help those we know individually. That will see some of them through these difficult times. The government will do their job but we citizens too have our responsibilities,” he said.
Source: Times of India
