Tangra was once known for violence, neglect, and lost futures.
Today, it tells a different story — because of music.
In this powerful conversation, we meet Sanjay Mondal, a cultural activist and musician who has spent over 15 years transforming the lives of children from one of Kolkata’s most stigmatized neighborhoods. Using discarded materials to create musical instruments, Sanjay built a movement that gave Tangra’s youth purpose, pride, and a voice.
From performing on India’s Got Talent to reviving Bengali folk music, kirtan, and theatre, this is a story about resilience, culture, and how real change begins at the grassroots.
This episode dives deep into:
The harsh realities of growing up in Tangra
How music became an escape from crime and despair
The failures of systems — and the power of community
Why culture is essential for social reform
How Tangra is slowly reclaiming its identity
Change doesn’t come from outside. It starts within.