User:Arnabsarkar.jovimuse.ac.in

== LOKAYAT - the rock kids from Kolkata, West Bengal, India

==LOKAYAT is a rock group from Kolkata, West Bengal. The band was formed towards the end of 2006 with the sole intention of making good music for the people of Bengal and for the Bengalis. The band currently comprises of Arnab (vocals), Ranajoy (guitars, backing vocals),  Nilambu (bass),  Anindya (guitars) and Prosenjit (Drums/percussions, backing vocals). The band has a sole influence on the glam rock era of the 80’s with a blend of classic rock. The name LOKAYAT refers to sence of urgency to rise up and create a new society, a better place for the common and the poor to live. The band tries to culminate such value through its music which essentially talks about human fellings and relations.

FORMATION (The year 2006) : The band was formed initially by Arnab and Raja (ex-guitarist, now guitar player for another successful bengali rock act PRITHIBI) in the end of 2006. Kausiq (vocalist, lyricist, composer for PRITHIBI) who has an immence role to play for the formation of LOKAYAT has always been a mntor for Arnab. Arnab is still taking vocal as well as music lessons from Kausiq and considers him to be his Godfather in making music. LOKAYAT has always been very fond of PRITHIBI and their genre of music. Their lyrics, philosophy has touched millions in Bengal and in India. The band was named by Kausiq himself. Formed initially by Arnab and Raja, the band on its urge of finding the other members got Nabarun on the keys (presently keyboardist for hindi rock group COLORS), Annie and Siraj strumming the 6 string and Bappa on the drums. 2007 - 2009 : LOKAYAT started taking part in various band competitions all over Kolkata and even went on to win some. Though performed for the first time for the freashers’ welcome programme for St. Pauls’ Cathedral Mission College, the band participated in their first competition in Bethune College in the year 2006 in the event named AALAP 2006. The line up had a few changes with Aneek in the bass and Aayon (Prachir) in the drums making an entry which paved the exit of  Siraj, Anie and Bappa.

In between the band took part in a much extravagant event which also had a band competition under Anandabazar Patrika, Unish Kuri Youth Fest, where the band took the second position with Aatmahatyaa becoming the winners. Prsidency College is very precious to LOKAYAT. It is here where the band won its first major competitionand eventually went on to perform in concerts opening big daddies of bangla bands namely Chandrabindoo. During this time there was another major change in the lineup with Atanu on the guitars, Sujoy on the bass and Korak on the drums. Thus at this point LOKAYAT was a six member group with Arnab, Raja and Nabarun maintaining their places. The band started performing in various places. The band succesively took part in BAND-e-Mataram – a much hyped bangla band hunt competition and AIRTEL BANDWAGON but failed to make an impression.

In times of Darkness: With successive failures, the lineup got dismantled. This phase continued for sometime until Arnab came in touch with Anindya (guitars) who is undertaking guitar lessons from Kausiq and gave another try to sustain the band.

2010 – PRESENT: In between Anirban (drums) and Abinav (bass) played for an year. Anirban had to depart as he had to go to The U.S. for futher academic exellence. LOAKAYAT will always remain ever gratefull to Kausiq (PRITHIBI) as their first demo was recorded with Kausiq’s initiative and with Souvik’s (INSOMNIA) help. Towards the beginning of 2010 Ranajoy (guitars, backing vocals) who is still Bubun’s (PRITHIBI) student joined the band along with Nilambu (bass)and Prosenjit (Drums/percussions, backing vocals). A keyboardist in the form of Ankush played for sometime but eventually made an exit all by himself. Presently the band is ready for the upcoming struggle it has to face to speak what they want to, to say what they had to with music which is their only companion.