In the lush, rolling hills of Nagaland, where music is deeply woven into the cultural fabric, a young pianist has emerged as a symbol of resilience and hope. Takosangba Pongen, a self-taught musician from Mokokchung, may have lost his sight, but he never lost his vision. Through music, he has turned personal adversity into a powerful story of triumph, proving that true talent and determination can overcome even the toughest obstacles.
A Journey of Darkness and Light
Takosangba’s life changed dramatically at the age of 14 when he started losing his vision. What began as a minor difficulty in reading the blackboard at school, soon worsened—he could no longer see the marbles he used to play with as a child. The condition, initially manageable, took a devastating turn after a surgery that was supposed to restore his sight. Instead, it left him completely blind.
For any teenager, such a drastic change would be overwhelming. How does one adapt to a world that suddenly turns dark? How does one find a sense of purpose when everything familiar slips away?
But Takosangba refused to let blindness define him. Instead of retreating into despair, he turned to the one thing that had always brought him comfort—music.
“When I play the piano, I feel transported to another dimension,” he says. “Music opened a window for me to see the world in a different way. It gives me energy and hope to move forward.”
A Self-Taught Pianist with an Unstoppable Spirit
What makes Takosangba’s journey truly extraordinary is that he never had formal piano lessons. Without access to a teacher or conventional methods of learning, he had to find his own way.
With sheer determination, he turned to YouTube tutorials to teach himself piano—learning by ear, memorizing each note, and practicing tirelessly. His fingers became his eyes, feeling the keys, understanding their rhythm, and transforming each touch into melodies that spoke of his struggles and dreams.
His passion and perseverance eventually led him to one of the most prestigious platforms for pianists in India—the Brillante Piano Festival in Bengaluru.
A Performance That Moved Hearts
In 2023, Takosangba travelled over 3,000 kilometres from Nagaland to Bengaluru to participate in the festival. Accompanied by his sister, he stepped onto the stage—a young man from a small town, with no formal training, yet with a talent that could move hearts.
He chose to perform Frederic Chopin’s "Nocturne in B Flat Minor," a piece that resonated deeply with him. The hauntingly beautiful composition, filled with both sorrow and hope, mirrored his journey.
As he played, the audience sat in awe, witnessing not just a performance but a testament to human resilience. Each note told a story—of struggle, loss, perseverance, and ultimately, triumph. When he finished, the hall erupted in applause. Takosangba had proven that true artistry isn’t just about skill—it’s about heart, and he had poured his entire soul into the music.
Overcoming Challenges with Faith and Determination
Despite his success, Takosangba’s journey has not been easy. Finding institutions that can teach visually impaired musicians remains a major challenge. In a country where accessibility for differently-abled individuals is still a work in progress, aspiring blind musicians often struggle to receive proper training and opportunities.
But Takosangba refuses to be discouraged. He continues to push forward, learning, practicing, and perfecting his craft.
“Sometimes, I wish I could see,” he admits. “But after all these years, I have learned to accept and embrace my reality. Music is my way of seeing the world.”
His story reflects the spirit of the Brillante Piano Festival, which originated in Kohima, Nagaland. The festival serves as a platform for musicians, including those with disabilities, proving that music is a universal language that transcends physical limitations.
A Symphony of Hope
Takosangba Pongen’s journey is not just about music; it is a testament to the power of resilience, self-belief, and the unwavering human spirit.
His story is an inspiration for anyone facing adversity—reminding us that challenges do not define us; our response to them does. He teaches us that dreams are not limited by physical abilities but by the barriers we create in our own minds.
Through his music, Takosangba continues to inspire countless others, proving that even in darkness, one can find light. And sometimes, that light comes in the form of a melody—played on a piano, echoing through the hills of Nagaland, reminding us all that no matter what life throws our way, we have the strength to rise above it.
A Message to the World
Takosangba’s story is not just about one young man overcoming blindness—it is about the universal human struggle to find meaning, purpose, and passion in the face of hardship.
His music serves as a reminder that hope is never lost, even in the darkest moments. With determination, perseverance, and faith, anything is possible.
As the notes of Chopin’s nocturne fade into silence, one thing remains clear—Takosangba Pongen is not just a pianist. He is a symbol of hope, a testament to resilience, and an artist whose music will continue to inspire generations to come.