An assembly of eccentrics

Tagore, the towering figure of Bengali literature and culture, introduced a literary and cultural adda titled “Khamkheyali Sabha” in Calcutta (now Kolkata) in 1897. The Nobel laureate, along with luminaries including Promoth Chowdhury, Jagadish Chandra Bose, Chittaranjan Das, DL Roy, Atul Prasad and Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay would assemble at someone's residence with prior notification through a letter. The assemblage continued for two years.

Avid Tagore enthusiasts of Dhaka, inspired by Bard's initiatives, resumed Khamkheyali Sabha after 115 years. Centring on Tagore creations, the first of the literary and cultural adda set off on January 17, 2014. Inaugurated by Professor Abdullah Abu Sayeed, the monthly adda featured presentations, discussions and cultural events that shed light on Tagore classics -- Chhelebela, Jibonsmriti, Attoporichoy, Chhinnopatra, Russia'r Chithi, various essays on educational affairs, Japan Jatri, Sanchayita, Ghar-e Bairey, Galpoguchchha, Tash-er Desh and Achalaytan and Geetobitan (Puja Parjaye) -- by essayists, discussants and artistes.

Marking first anniversary of Khamkheyali Sabha, its members hosted a celebratory event at Bishwo Shahitto Kendro (BSK) auditorium in Dhaka on February 6. Eminent artist Mustafa Monwar inaugurated the event through lighting candles. Professor Abdullah Abu Sayeed attended the event as chief guest while Abid A Azad was present as special guest. The organisers presented crests to the guests and discussants of the previous year.  Apart from the guests, convener Mahmud Hashim, joint convener Ankhi Siddiqa and member-secretary Faisal Ibne Jaman spoke.

“Rabindranath is the name of the emblem and the flag of Bengali culture. But to enrich ourselves as a nation, we must take not only from Rabindranath but also from other litterateurs,” said Abdullah Abu Sayeed. 

A vibrant adda with a cultural event followed. A visual presentation, showcasing images of Tagore's Khamkheyali Sabha and this one, was screened at the venue at the beginning of the event.