Love for Books and Music

Photo: Kazi Tahsin Agaz Apurbo

Books and music to calm your soul -- and elements that one can find at Omni bookstores, currently located at Genetic Plaza in Dhanmondi. Omni happens to be a name that many musicians and book lovers can associate to, especially if you have grown up in the early 2000s. Neo G Mendes, Chairman and Managing Director of Enem Omni Companies say that he has always been in love with music, literature and culture. Clearly, it was just his way of bringing together elements and activities he has been passionate about.

"My love for music is known, and our companies are known to be pioneers and have built a reputation as innovators," he says. "So when the opportunity arrived to partner with Yamaha - the best known global music brand, I didn't have to think twice."

Born and raised in Chittagong, Mendes attended the famous St. Placid School in Chittagong and graduated in the Science stream from Notre Dame College in Dhaka. Founding member of "Lightnings" – a one of its kind musical band back in 1963, Mendes is formally trained in the piano accordion. He has been playing since 1962. "I also play the drums, guitar, keyboards and the piano," he adds. One of his most memorable moments is when his band, the Lightnings met Bangabandhu for his signed letter, sponsoring a tour of India and subsequently handing him over a cheque for Tk. 70,000 collected from their performances in 1973. In fact, the Lightnings had also won the Best Band Award in Dhaka in 1970 and Kolkata 1973.

"From a very young age, I had a passion for reading. And I was buying books when traveling overseas as all my choices were not available locally," he says. "I realised that there must be many more like me and consequently -- the book shop happened. We opened our first books and music shop on Gulshan Avenue in 2002."

For over a decade, the Omni Music School has been offering lessons to students of all ages in piano, guitars, drums, violins and more. Closed down for a few years now, Mendes says that the school will soon be open again. "We have been in discussion with international partners to transform this into a reality," he says. "Yamaha is also well reputed for music education. Meanwhile, a Japanese music teacher from Yamaha has conducted two courses to train trainers. We are in discussion with other prospective teaching partners and also in discussion with schools interested to dedicate a period to teach music to their students."

As a successful businessman, Neo Mendes encourages young people to go for entrepreneurship. However, he advises them to learn a profession thoroughly. "Keep your eyes and ears open for prospects," he says. "Make friends. Read a lot. Think a lot. Select a business that is related to your acquired knowledge and has demand. In addition to being liked, knowledge is your principal capital. Organise your resources. Prefer an intelligence based business of your expertise. Engage fully. Have a lot of patience. And listen to all kinds of music! Remember - there is no short cut to success!"

According to Mendes, even though reading English language imported books may have decreased over the last few years, the Ekushey Boi Mela certainly evidences otherwise for locally published books. "Extensive social and electronic media engagement reduces available reading time," he admits. "Also, lower financial affordability amongst university students coupled with high prices of imported books decreases reading. In India, stores maintain large stocks as all publishers supply books without requiring advance payment. We have to pay the full cost of the imported books plus Customs Duties etc., before the first book touches our soil. This is the reason for our very limited stocks which is a purchase deterrent due to lack of selection."

This Christmas, Neo Mendes wishes for peace and prosperity for all. He prays for Bangladesh to be undivided and to act as one. "The spiritual and festive parts of Christmas start by attending church on 24th night and worshiping the newly born Christ praying for our salvation," he says. "At the end of which we congregate for cakes and coffee, sing Christmas carols in Bangla and English. The family gathers on Christmas day to seek blessings from parents, relatives and seniors and enjoy traditional Christmas food – yet another element that would spread love amongst all!"