New Age | Cultural events mark Tagore’s birth anniv

Different government and private cultural organisations observed the 163rd anniversary of the birth of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore organising cultural programmes, discussions and awards ceremony in Dhaka on Wednesday.

The cultural affairs ministry has organised a three-day programme at the National Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.

The inaugural ceremony began at 11:00pm with a group instrumental music recital dedicated to the recently deceased Tagore singer Sadi Mohammad.

Jatiya Sangsad speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury was present as chief guest, vice-chancellor of Rabindra University Bangladesh Professor Md Shah Azam and cultural affairs secretary Khalil Ahmed were present as special guests at the inaugural ceremony.

Thespian Ramendu Majumdar delivered the memorial speech at the event.

State minister for cultural affairs Nahid Izhar Khan presided over the inaugural ceremony and the BSA director general Liaquat Ali Lucky delivered the welcome speech.

Ramendu Majumdar presented his paper titled ‘Sonar Banglar Swapna o Bastabata: Rabindranath Theke Bangabandhu’ at the event.

A cultural programme comprising songs, poem recitations, dance and dance drama was held following the discussion.

Artistes of Rabindra University Bangladesh, Bangladesh Shishu Academy and Bangladesh Shilpalakala Academy performed songs and dance recitals.

Bhaswar Bandyopadhyay and Samiul Islam Pulak recited poems.

Besides, Rezwana Chowdhury Bannya and Mahnaz Karim Hossain sang Tagore songs at the programme.

Bangla Academy organised a solo lecture, awards ceremony and cultural programme at its Muhammad Enamul Haque Bhabhan at 2:30pm.

Senior actor-director Ataur Rahman gave a lecture on Rabindranath Tagore while Bangla Academy director general Mohammad Nurul Huda delivered the welcome speech at the programme, which was presided over by chairperson of the academy Selina Hossain.

The academy handed over Rabindra Award 2024 in two categories at the programme.

Professor Bhishmadeb Choudhury received the award for Tagore research and Laisa Ahmad Lisa received it for Tagore song.

Each awardee received Tk 1 lakh, a certificate and a crest.

The academy also organised a cultural programme, which featured recitation by Rupa Chakraborty and Shimul Mustapha. Besides, Lily Islam and Chanchal Khan entertained the audience by singing songs.

Cultural organisation Chhayanaut lifted the curtain on a two-day cultural festival featuring songs, recitation and dance recitals at Chhayanaut Sangskriti Bhaban in Dhanmondi at 7:00pm.

The festival began with a dance recital synchronised with the song Prothom juger udoyodigangone.

The event is featuring performances by renowned artistes, youths and child singers.