As the eldest of Viswanath Das' three sons, Anando Gopal Das was offered musical initiation by his father at the age of eleven. In order to help feed the family he, along with his younger brother, went busking in trains.

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Anando is one of the last Bauls of his generation to perpetuate the madhoukori custom (litterally meaning "collection of honey"), a sacred form of mendicity whereby songs of devotion are offered in small agricultural villages.

 

A New Challenge: Inter-cultural Exchange

Anando is well familiar with the western world, having stayed there when young and then regularly singing there with family and friends. He is aware of the value of his traditions and of the challenge of inter-cultural exchange.

Today, he is ready to pass down his art and philosophy to both indians and foreigners. Above all he strives to help those deprived in his country. With the money earned through his european tours, he has built a modest abode to shelter the poverty-struck inhabitants of his region. There, they may learn to read and write, and can listen to Baul music and songs.

Anando is a gifted teacher and defines himself as "social worker" in his country. Nevertheless, he is one of the most moving and subtle Baul singers of his day. He has composed several songs which express great spiritual sensitivity. He stands out in his concerts and recordings through his vocal precision and his musical accompaniment.