Pandit Paluskar Music College, Guwahati

Pandit Paluskar Music College is located in the Latasil area of Guwahati, which is quite close to the High Court. Because of where we are, there’s always a bit of city noise outside, but once you step inside, you mostly hear the sound of sitars, tablas, or someone practicing their vocals. The humidity in Assam can be pretty tough on the instruments, so we spend a lot of time making sure the tanpuras are tuned and the harmoniums aren't sticking. It’s not a very big place, so it can feel a bit cramped when we have several classes going on at the same time. The walls are thin, and you can hear the rhythm from the next room over, but that’s just part of the charm of a music school. Our teachers are local folks who really care about the art, even if they aren't the most talkative bunch. We don't have a big stage or professional lighting, just some mats on the floor and a few chairs for the older students. People find us because they want to learn the old ways of music without any shortcuts. The building itself is an older one, and the stairs are a bit steep. We keep the place tidy, but it definitely looks lived-in. It’s a humble spot for anyone in Guwahati who wants to pick up an instrument and spend a few hours practicing in the afternoon.