“Ekush was our stepping stone on the path to emancipation”
Noted poet Asad Chowdhury has won various prestigious awards in his long career span. He is a TV anchor as well. He recently received Khalekdad Chowdhury Literary Award. The literary figure spoke to The Daily Star in a recent conversation about the spirit of Ekush, his writing and the Ekushey Book Fair. Excerpts:
“Ekush means not bowing one's head. Ekush is our pride. Ekush is the month of Bangalees' self-identity. Ekush was our stepping stone on the path to emancipation. We have a language because Ekush happened. Ekush is eternal. It is and always be our pride.
“Personally, Ekushey February is a promise to myself. It's a test of our own identity. We can reflect on how far we have come when we look back on this day. I think the Shaheed Minar is a beacon that will show us the path.
“Ekushey Boi Mela is our own fair. It is a fair for everyone, irrespective of caste, creed and opinions. Here, I find my closest friends, the books.
“My connection with the book fair goes way back. I have visited the biggest book fairs in the world, in Frankfurt and in Kolkata, but our month-long fair is a unique one. No other fair draws me in like it. This fair is a melting pot of all Bangalees. It is our own festival. The readers can meet the writers and publishers in person through the fair.
I have been involved with the book fair since 1973. Readers have kept me in their blessings and love for many decades now, and I consider myself very fortunate for that.
Writing is my passion, love and a longtime habit. People across the country know me through my writing and I want to continue it till my last days.
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