Music defines her, but studies come first for HSTU gold medallist Sneha

A national gold medal, a runner-up finish on a television music reality show and participation in the national Physics Olympiad are among Geetanjali Ghosh Sneha’s many achievements. Yet she is clear about her priorities: studies come first. Music is her passion, and singing is a major part of her identity.

Sneha, a student of the 2025 batch at the Faculty of Agriculture at Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University (HSTU) in Dinajpur, has pursued music since childhood. Alongside her studies, she has built a string of achievements in competitions, demonstrating her talent at national events and on television.

National gold medal

In 2018, Sneha won first place nationally and received a gold medal in a competition for singing the national anthem correctly. The following year, she won a silver medal after placing second nationally in patriotic songs at a competition for children and adolescents.

She went on to achieve notable success in several music competitions, winning first place multiple times in genres including Nazrul Sangeet, Rabindra Sangeet, hamd and naat, modern songs and patriotic songs. In 2019, she placed second in classical music at the divisional level during National Education Week. That same year, she won first place in a music competition organised by the Academy of Fine Arts. In 2020, she came first in patriotic songs at the divisional level in a competition organised by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs. The following year, she also won a patriotic song competition organised by Green Voice.

Success on television

Beyond the stage, Sneha has demonstrated her talent on television. In 2022, she became the second runner-up on RTV’s music reality show ‘Sufiana’. Earlier, in 2020, she was a finalist in ‘Agamir Taroka’, a competition organised by ATN Media Communication featuring contestants from eight countries.

She has also performed on RTV’s ‘Music Station’ and ‘R-Studio’, as well as Maasranga Television’s ‘Ranga Sokal’. Her experience includes participating in various music recordings, including recordings of Nazrul Sangeet at Chhayanaut.

Achievements beyond music

Sneha’s interests extend beyond music to other extracurricular competitions. In 2020, she won at the regional level of the Physics Olympiad and went on to compete nationally. In 2019, she qualified at the regional level of the National English Olympiad and participated in its theatre round.

Introduced to music by her mother

Born on December 23, 2005, Sneha received her first music lessons from her mother, Namita Ghosh. A singer and teacher, Namita studied at Rabindra Bharati. She instilled in her daughter a love of music and encouraged her to practise. Sneha’s father, Gautam Kumar Ghosh, is a gold trader.

Sneha began taking part in cultural competitions while in primary school. Her formal music training started in Class VII, when she enrolled at the district Shilpakala Academy. She subsequently achieved success in competitions at the district, upazila, regional and divisional levels.

Continuing music at university

Sneha has continued to pursue music since entering university, regularly taking part in cultural programmes alongside her studies. She has performed at ‘Krishi-Kathan’, organised by the Faculty of Agriculture to mark HSTU’s second convocation, the faculty’s New Year celebrations and ‘Proloy-Ullash’, an event organised by Sejuti Sangskritik Oikya.

Despite a busy academic schedule, Sneha sees her continued music practice as a source of enjoyment. When it comes to planning her future, however, her studies take precedence.

‘Singing is my identity, but studies come first’

Sneha wants to balance her love of music with her commitment to education. Speaking about her family’s contribution to her musical journey, she said: “After studying at Rabindra Bharati, my mother set up a music school here. I have been able to make at least some use of her encouragement and inspiration, and of travelling to different places with my father. My love for music will always remain. But considering that music will not provide a livelihood, I put greater faith in my studies.”

On her plans for the future, Sneha said: “I always want to keep pursuing music alongside my studies. Singing holds a special place of honour and respect for me; it is my own identity. I can never imagine myself without music. But my first priority is always my studies. I seek everyone’s blessings and prayers for this.”

Her father, Gautam Kumar Ghosh, is proud of her achievements. “From childhood, Sneha was interested in music, recitation and dance alongside her studies. Her mother also wanted her to do well in dance and music. Today, that wish has largely been fulfilled. But we were certain that she would not build a career in music,” he said.

Her mother, Namita Ghosh, also expressed satisfaction with her daughter’s dedication and consistent success. Sneha’s many certificates, crests and awards are reminders of joy and pride for the family.

Geetanjali Ghosh Sneha wants to build her future by combining her love of music with her commitment to education. She hopes to keep music close to her heart while pursuing her goals as a student. For her, singing is not simply about winning competitions or receiving awards; it is part of her identity. She wants to carry that identity with her as she strives for academic success.