Suman Sarkar has made his mark in the India Book of Records, a significant achievement that has paved the way for him to pursue his dreams with even greater determination and leading to extensive acknowledgment. This milestone played a vital role in bringing his noble endeavours into wider national focus, ultimately leading to his recognition with the prestigious Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2025 for his remarkable contributions to India’s classical music heritage.
Suman Sarkar of Nadia, West Bengal, at the age of 16 years, has emerged as a distinguished tabla prodigy, setting an inspiring benchmark for young artistes across the country. He holds an India Book of Records title for playing the longest non-stop tabla performance, sustaining the instrument for 2 hours, 44 minutes and 17 seconds at the age of 15, demonstrating exceptional endurance, discipline, and mastery of rhythm. With over 13 years of rigorous training, Suman has already delivered more than 62 performances at prominent national and international platforms and has earned 43 national and international awards, including 22 first-place honours at esteemed forums such as the Dover Lane Music Conference, National Kala Utsav, Indo–Bangladesh Cultural Competitions, and Chhandavan (USA).
Beyond artistic excellence, Suman has shown profound social responsibility by using his prize money to purchase tablas for underprivileged children and providing them free training. To further this mission, he founded the Ranaghat Humanities Education Centre in Nadia, which currently nurtures 42 students, ensuring access to classical music education regardless of financial limitations. His dedication to preserving India’s musical traditions while empowering young minds through education has earned him widespread appreciation, including the Bharat Ratna Dr. M. S. Subbulakshmi Fellowship.
The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP) is conferred upon children aged 3 to 18 years who display exceptional abilities and outstanding achievements across various fields. In 2025, the honour was awarded to 20 children, including two posthumously, from across the country. Suman Sarkar’s recognition stands as a powerful testament to how talent, discipline, and social consciousness can together enrich the nation’s cultural legacy.
