Julhasuddin Ahmed and Abdus Sattar honoured by NSSP
Cultural Correspondent
The two-day programme celebrating 108th birth anniversary of our National Poet by Nazrul Sangeet Shilpi Parishad (NSSP) ended on May 23.NSSP honoured Nazrul exponent and researcher Abdus Sattar and veteran Nazrul artiste Julhasuddin Ahmed for their contribution in collecting, preserving Nazrul's works and promoting Nazrul sangeet respectively at the programme held at the main auditorium, National Museum. On behalf of the sponsor, GrameenPhone (GP), Emadul Amin (director, Human Resource Development) said, "Our national life is indebted to Nazrul. His songs and poetry on one hand have inspired us during national movements and mesmerised us with his idea of romanticism on the other. GP is delighted to be a part of this celebration and we hope NSSP will keep up its efforts to provide Nazrul artistes from all over the country with a platform." Nazrul exponent and artiste Sohrab Hossain then handed over the awards to the recipients. Abdus Sattar and Julhasuddin Ahmed were both awarded with a crest, a certificate and a cheque for Tk 50,000. Sattar has worked tirelessly for the last few decades to collect original records of Nazrul songs and has made significant contribution in promoting authentic tunes and lyrics. Sharing his reaction, Sattar said, "I had always worked behind the scene. The fact that my research is being recognised on a grand scale in my lifetime is quite surprising. It is definitely encouraging." Ahmed lost his eyesight at the age of 2. After receiving a record of Nazrul songs from his elder brother, a drive to learn the songs was ignited in him. Since then through Nazrul sangeet the artiste had been acquainted with several legendary personalities in the sub-continent. The emotionally moved elderly artiste expressed his gratitude for honouring him. After the award giving ceremony, artistes from all over the country performed Nazrul songs. The musical programme started off with a chorus rendition of Jhod jhanjhaye orey. Noted artistes Nashid Kamal, Fatema Tuz Zohra, Leena Taposhi Khan, Khayrul Anam Shakil and upcoming artistes Jahangir Alam, Ataur Rahman, Debi Rani Bhodro (Khulna), Sheikh Badiuzzaman (Rajshahi), Shahnaz Sultana Reshma (Chittagong) and others sang at the programme. Recitation of poems by Nazrul and dance performances were also part of the programme. The programme was hosted by Sujit Mustafa and Nashid Kamal.
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