Call for end to raging debates
A five-day programme to mark the 124th death anniversary of Fakir Lalon Shai wrapped up at Chheuria Lalon Akhra in Kushtia last Monday.
Thousands of bauls, devotees and Lalon enthusiasts of the region and different corners of the country observed the solemn occasion with a reiteration of their demand that the authorities take immediate steps to preserve the authentic tunes and lyrics of Lalon songs. They also called for the dissemination of the bard's philosophy of peace and harmony so that global community could follow his doctrine of non-violence.
Devotees spent their time paying homage to Lalon and engaging in introspection, while others stopped by to enjoy live renditions of Lalon songs. The crowd also saw a turnout of foreigners and researchers.
Lalon Academy, an organisation consisting of elected individuals to oversee Lalon's shrine, organised the main programme in association with the Ministry of Cultural Affairs. Banglalink was the sponsor of the programme. The local administration supervised the event.
Professor Dr. Gowher Rizvi, International Affairs Advisor to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, inaugurated the event as chief guest. With Kushtia Deputy Commissioner (DC) Syed Bealal Hossain in the chair, the programme was addressed by, among others, lawmaker of Kushtia-4 (Khoksa-Kumarkhali) Abdur Rouf, Kushtia Islamic University Vice-Chancellor Abdul Hakim Sarker, Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Shahinoor Rahman, Kushtia Government College principal Professor Badruddoza and Khulna Divisional Commissioner Abdus Samad.
Lalon exponents, devotees, singers and laypersons urged the authorities to take immediate steps to preserve the authentic tunes and lyrics of Lalon songs as there is rampant distortion of his works.
Today there are three categories of Lalon songs that are popular in the country: Akhrai tradition, a blend of Akhrai tradition and classical music and fusion of western music with Akhrai tradition. “This admixture is creating controversy about the originality of Lalon's song specially among the new generation and even foreigners as well as first time listeners of Lalon songs,” Professor Dr. Shahinoor Rahman, Pro-Vice Chancellor and Professor of English at Islamic University also an exponent of mystic poems and songs told The Daily Star.
There is also a raging debate on the accurate number of Lalon's songs. While some claim a figure of 6,000 to 8,000 songs, others prefer to peg them at around 2,000. In fact, many songs composed by the growing number of pseudo bauls in the country and in India too--like Gopal Shah or Adam Chan, are labelled as songs of Lalon.
“Many songs labelled as songs of Lalon are in fact not composed by our musical messiah Lalon Shah,” said Dr. Rahid Askari, writer, columnist and teacher at Islamic University. Kiran Shah, a follower of Lalon who had come from India for the event also expressed dejection over the distortion of Lalon's tunes.
The five-day programme included a 'Lalon Mela', discussion and rendition of songs by artistes of Lalon Academy and bauls from all over the country.
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