Dr. Sanjida Khatun, president of Chhayanat, shared her views on what Tagore means to the world. "Did Tagore exclusively write for aristocrats? Was he only a poet of progressive urbanites? Those who have properly studied his work know that he was a writer for the masses. His message was universal."

In the carefully manipulated light and shadow, the Tagore exponent then narrated the story of Bishorjon: the King of Tripura, Govindamanikya, and his queen have no heir. Craving to become a mother, the queen decides to sacrifice hundreds of animals to appease the deity the royal family worships. One day, the king came across a destitute little girl, Aporna, who was looking for her only possession -- her goat. The animal was as close as a blood relative to the young one. Aporna made her fears known by saying, "I've heard my goat was taken away to be sacrificed." This makes a profound impact on Govindamanikya and he decides to put an end to this cruel practice.

The king decrees that anyone killing animals in the land would be banished forever. The high priest, Raghupati, feels his status is being threatened and starts conspiring against the king. Eventually, through an ultimate sacrifice of the person who was closest to him, Raghupati realises how wrong he was. And Govindamankiya places his offerings -- meant for the deity -- at the feet of the individual who has sacrificed himself for the sake of others. "Throughout his life Rabindranath placed humankind on top of everything; even religion," said Sanjida Khatun.

The musical programme started with a chorus, Akash bhora shurjo tara. Other renditions at the event included Darun agnibaney (chorus), Chokkhey amar trishna (solo by Brinda), Nai rosh nai (solo by Nilufar), Esho shyamolo shundoro (chorus), Gahano ghano chhailo (chorus), Khela bhangar khela (chorus) and more.

The programme ended with a rendition of the National Anthem.