Three cultural personalities honoured

Katha Lalitakala Academy celebrated its 23rd founding anniversary on May 14, at the Kendriya Kochi-Kachar Mela (Segunbagicha, Dhaka). Children wore colourful attire attached with the wings of butterfly, and danced to the song “Projapoti Projapoti Kothaye Pele Bhai Emon Rongin Pakha”. They also rendered the choral song “Grisho, Borsha, Sharat, Hemanta” and other cultural performances.

Marking the occasion, the academy honoured three cultural personalities -- Sadya Afreen Mallick, eminent Nazrul exponent and editor of Star Arts and Entertainment; Amena Ahmed, Tagore singer and organiser; and Rehana Siddiqui, singer and organiser -- with Gunijan Songbordhona (reception of noted personalities).

Senior journalist and president of National Press Club, Muhammad Shafiqur Rahman, gracing the occasion as chief guest, handed over the awards to the recipients. MA Jalil, former additional secretary, and Dalia Nausheen, renowned singer, attended the event as special guests. Delwar Hossain Raja, President of the academy, presided over the programme, while Alauddin Ahmed, the principal of the academy, delivered welcome address.

In their instant reactions, the honoured artistes expressed their feelings. “We, at The Daily Star, have been organising regular musical programmes featuring both established and young artistes, to boost our culture. I would like to thank Alauddin Ahmed for continuing to educate students with music, dance and art for the last 23 years,” said Sadya Afreen Mallick. 

“I started learning music (Rabindra Sangeet and Classical Music) at the age of 36 for my utter love to the genre. You can also get inspired like me and start arranging baithaki musical soiree at your drawing room. It will motivate your kids enriching them with values to be good human beings,” said Amena Ahmed. 

“I carry on my musical practice passionately along with my social service. I get a pure joy and feel satisfied with what I do,” said Rehana Siddiqui.         

This was followed by an award-giving ceremony for a cultural competition among inter-branch students of the academy.

Katha Lalitakala Academy, educating students with music, dance and painting, was founded in 1993. The academy has been honouring Gunijan since 1997.