Voice of India  

Debojit Saha, the boy from Silchar, has made the entire North-East region proud by winning the Saregamapa Challenge 2005.

Sandeep Banerjee

His talent was never in doubt. The only question was – would he get a proper break? Or like many other North-Eastern talents he would finish his life looking for opportunities.

He did not disappoint us. After years of struggle, when he got the opportunity he grabbed it with both hands. He didn’t let the opportunity to slip away.

The task was not easy. He faced many hurdles, stiff competitions. But he never lost sight of his goal. This is why today he is the voice of India, winner of Saregamapa Challenge 2005. He is our Debojit. Thank you, Debojit, for making all of us proud.

He could have easily lived a secure life. After all he is an engineer. Despite the unemployment problem, still there are jobs available for professionals. Debojit could easily take that path.

But he did not see himself making bridges or building houses. Music is in his blood. So when his mother permitted him to pursue music, Debojit didn’t look back. He landed up in Mumbai. And the rest is, as they say is history.

The entire region was tense. People cancelled all their engagements to be in front of the TV. Streets wore deserted look long before the sun set. Everyone was glued to the TV set. To control Debojit fans, local administration had to clamp Section 144 in Silchar. The scenes were much similar to that of a cricket match involving India.

Finally, the suspense ended at the stroke of midnight when it was announced the Debojit is the winner.

For long, long time, North-East never witnessed such a night. Normally the nights in this region are associated with horror. Security forces, underground elements for long have not allowed the region to enjoy the nights.

But it was a different night. Perhaps for the first time the region saw so many people on the road at that hour. Sounds of busting crackers, dancing and victory processions made one to think why we do not have such nights more often.

Debojit told the media before the final, “Whatever I’ve achieved - where I’ve come - is more than enough. I feel the blessings that my mother gave me before her death have borne fruits. This week alone I’ve received 5 lakh votes from my home in Assam. I can’t tell you how confident it makes me feel.” He further added, “I’m not thinking of the results at all. I’m thinking only of my singing and how to sing to my best level possible…I’m happy with whatever God has planned for me tomorrow. I’m really excited about singing the song my mentor Ismail Durbar has composed for me. It’s a Sufi number and very soulful. And Ranjit Barot has arranged it. I never thought I’d stand in front of so many thousands of people including some of the biggest musicians and stars, and be watched by millions of people at home at such a live event, singing such a beautiful song composed specially for me. It’s a dream come true.”

Indeed, the dream comes to true. For over four years, Debojit struggled in Mumbai. As he could devote enough time to singing, his wife Vandana took up a job to maintain the family. It was a hard life. But both of them were confident that one day their endeavour would bear fruit. And finally it did.

“Whatever I’ve achieved - where I’ve come - is more than enough. I feel the blessings of my mother have borne fruits.”

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