Barun Kumar Pal (1946 – 2022) was born into an enlightened family in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Barun Kumar Pal spent his childhood in close proximity to stalwarts of Indian Classical Music such as Prof. Nikhil Banerjee and Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia. His father, Mr. Bankim Kumar Pal, was a senior Sitar player of the Ustad Enayat Khan Gharana, which gave Barun the privilege of being initiated into Indian Classical Music by these great personalities at the tender age of five.

Barun’s exceptional talent as a child prodigy was evident as he had the privilege of playing solo, duet, trio, and orchestras of Indian Classical Music on the Guitar for All India Radio. He had the honor of performing before eminent personalities like Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and international leaders like Chau-en Lai. His fascination towards the Hawaiian Guitar led to his unwavering dedication towards this instrument, and he decided to devote his heart and soul to it.

Barun’s efforts and earnestness to bring recognition and status to the Hawaiian Guitar as an Indian Classical Musical Instrument moved the great musician and guru, Pandit Ravi Shankar, who took Barun under his tutelage. He has given numerous performances all over the world, and his guru, Pandit Ravi Shankar, recommended him as a top concert artist and teacher, stating that “Barun is an outstanding Hawaiian guitar player of North Indian Classical Music. He has a very sweet temperament.”

In recognition of his accomplishments, George Bush, the President of the USA, wrote to Barun on 2nd July 1991, wishing him every success and blessing him for an enjoyable conference.