Kolkata-based indie band TRAP plants 1000 mangrove saplings in the Sundarbans

Kolkata-based six-man indie ensemble TRAP, aka The Radical Array Project recently turned 10, having started its journey on August 24, 2014. A popular band at college fests and corporate events, they have not just performed at premiere institutes in Kolkata, but across other cities too.
Talking about the kind of music they play, Bhaswar Sen, founding member, violinist and composer of the ensemble says, “Our music spans across multiple genres. From our very well received original compositions to Bollywood and Beyond, audiences love it all. The latter is a fusion segment that amalgamates Bollywood numbers with international and regional music.” They are also known for their pop-culture instrumental renditions of Harry Potter, Game of Thrones and Avengers title tracks. Bhaswar adds, “Our maiden animation music video featuring Satyajit Ray’s famous sleuth Feluda has been one of our monumental works that went viral shortly after its release.”

To celebrate 10 years of music, the band recently travelled to the Sundarbans for a plantation drive, to promote the cause of eco-friendliness. Arijit Paul, lead vocalist of the ensemble elaborates, “Last year we spent the entire day at an orphanage, sharing basics of music with underprivileged children. We also live-screened the historical landing of Chandrayaan 3 and capped the day off with lunch treats and goodie bags. This year we all wanted to create awareness about climate change and forest conservation, hence we came up with the idea of planting 1000 mangrove saplings in the Sundarbans.”
Keyboardist Anupam Pyne says, “We picked the Sundarbans for two reasons, firstly because it is a World Heritage Site close to the city, and second because mangroves are equipped with carbon sequestration power. They can reduce carbon emissions and help to combat global warming.”
Recalling the experience, drummer Suanjita Dutta says, “We started off for the Sundarbans after wrapping up a show in Hooghly district on the evening of August 24. We ventured into the mangrove forests on the morning of August 25, accompanied by locals who generously arranged the saplings for us.” Guitarist Darpa Das adds, “Navigating knee deep mud, we started our plantation process. And after a day’s hard work, with the assistance of the local volunteers, we reached our target of planting a 1000 saplings.”
Bassist Swapnabha Roy concludes by saying, “In a fast-paced world where felling trees to establish commercial establishments is seen as a sign of progress, being able to give back to Mother Nature is a joyous feeling that will always be unmatched and unparalleled.”
The ensemble is managed by Soumadip Das.