Bijoy Thangaraj
Bijoy Thangaraj was born in Tamil Nadu, brought up in Trivandrum, Kerala and is currently working at Bangalore. Bijoy is inclined to music right from his childhood. Bijoy started playing and composing music at the age of 10. He plays Guitar, Keys, Harmonica, Drums and has done 5 grades in Solo Piano from Trinity College, London. During his schooling and college days, he has performed at numerous stage shows along with multiple bands. His music is very contemporary and unique. Bijoy has collaborated with many artists around the world. Notable ones include collaboration with Reggae artist, Madi Simmons for lyrics and collaboration with a Christian Hip Hop band MAJORS for the production of online single, ‘Clear the Smoke’. He also supports numerous other arts programs internationally. In 2009, he was nominated to take part in the ‘International Visitor Leadership Program’ on ‘Promoting Tolerance Thorough the Arts’ in the United States by the U.S. Department of State.
During his college days, he was part of the Evangelical Union (EU). At Bangalore, he is a member of the worship team at Jayanagar Methodist Church. He is also involved with the Evangelical Graduate Fellowship (EGF). He has a deep burden to compose gospel songs of exceptional quality in Indian languages and ‘Ehsaas’ is his first project on this aspect. He feels that music has great attributes to attract and pull oneself and others towards the Lord and anyone endowed with the gift of music has tremendous responsibility towards the Kingdom of God.
Satish Shantraj
Satish Shantraj hails from Raichur, North Karnataka. As a family with sister, brothers and parents, he would attend the Kannada speaking congregation of the Methodist Church at Raichur. He grew up under the guidance of elders of the church. Right from his early days at Sunday school, he used to enjoy learning the Bible. He also used to sing solos, duets and group songs on special occasions in church. He still remembers that as a kid he used to sing a Hindi gospel song on every new year taught to him by a sister from Orrisa. As a teenager, he was active in youth activities in church and was associated with the Evangelical Union – student ministry in leading praise and worship.
After marriage, he had to travel to Kuwait for official purpose. There, he became much closer to God as he was staying alone. He became active in Karnataka congregation, Kuwait participating in youth activities, Bible studies and fasting prayers. He served as a worship leader for the Fahaheel church in Kuwait where he used to sing songs in Hindi, English and Kannada. He loves singing Hindi gospel songs more. As his contract got over and came back to India, he started writing Hindi gospel songs that help you feel God’s presence. His wish is that everyone should feel and experience God and hence, ‘Ehsaas’ music project was born. Presently, he is a member of the worship team at Jayanagar Methodist Church at Bangalore.
Sumith Shantraj
Sumith Shantraj was born in Shahabad, brought up in Raichur, and his family is part of the Methodist Church at Raichur. His singing in the church began ever since he started attending the Sunday school and then as a teenager he was part of Evangelical Union (EU) and also the Church choir.
Church was a place that gave him the passion for singing. He participated in many singing competitions, won few lost many. He always knew that music is something that can bring people together and help forget the differences. He felt the need to work for that idea of spreading His Word. Most of all, he feels that we need to learn how to laugh, smile and practice being positive. His vision is that this album reaches as many people as possible. He will be happy if it brings hope to hearts that are sinking, make them rejoice and assure the faith in the Savior. He thanks God, the Almighty who has been with him always and for helping him voice His Words.
