Sruti, a well-known cultural organisation in Sylhet, arranged the programme sponsored by Teletalk Bangladesh Ltd. The event was inaugurated by renowned Nazrul artiste Ustad Karim Shahab Uddin.

At a discussion prior to music and dance, speakers highlighted the significance of the spirit of Tagore and Nazrul in our national life. The discussants said that a mirror reflects a single figure but the images of Rabindranath and Nazrul reflect the existence of the entire nation. In-depth portrayal of the nation has been delineated in their works. The speakers stressed on the necessity of the nation being reverberated with the messages and philosophies of these two icons.

The programme was chaired by Rabi Shonkor Moitri. Farzana Siddiqua, assistant professor, Department of Bangla, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, was the primary discussant. Asit Kumar Bhattacharya, Ataur Rahman, Maksedur Rahman Akand and Sukanto Gutpto also spoke on the occasion.

After the discussion, the cultural programme started with chorus songs that included several popular Tagore and Nazrul artistes. Artistes from Dhaka as well as Sylhet presented solo renditions. Recitation by Rabi Shonkor Moitri was worth mentioning.

The evening wrapped up with Swarolipi Karim and Ustad Karim Shahab Uddin's passionate renditions of Nazrul Sangeet, leaving the audience craving for more.

by Mohammad Shafiqul Islam

The author is Lecturer, Department of English Metropolitan University, Sylhet