Jatiyo Rabindra Sangeet Sammelan concludes
The 37th Jatiyo Rabindra Sangeet Sammelan concluded at midnight on Sunday with the rejuvenating melody of Tagore song “Rangiye Diye Jao”. At the concluding session starting from 4:30 pm, the names of two traditional singers outside Dhaka were announced as winners of Rabindra Padak. Vice Chancellor of Rabindra University Professor Biswajit Ghosh was present as chief guest while Dr. Sanjida Khatun presided over the programme.
Monjusree Roy from Rajshahi was recognised for her outstanding contributions to classical music while folk singer Upendra Nath Roy from Rangpur was the other to be honoured at the event. Each received a crest, uttoriyo and a cheque of Taka 50,000 from the chief guest and the president.
Later, a condolence message was read out for around fifty distinguished artistes from home and abroad who had passed away recently, among them were singer Abdul Jabbar; veteran journalist Saiful Bari, novelist Shawkat Ali, poet Sajjad Kadir, Freedom Fighter Ferdousi Priyabhashini, Mayor Anisul Huq and more.
Chief guest Biswajit Ghosh in his speech said, “Our country is progressing economically but any development can't be sustained unless people are cultured.
“Jatiyo Rabindra Sangeet Sammelan Parishad conveys Tagore's message of truth, beauty and goodness. This will make for a cultured nation even in the remotest corner,” he added.
Dr. Sanjida Khatun said, “Culture enlightens our heart and practice of being cultured is continuous. For this we've to keep Rabindranath in our hearts.”
She expressed optimism that the country would go forward in defeating dark forces.
Secretary of central committee of Rabindra Sangeet Sammelan Parishad, renowned singer Bulbul Islam said that they were happy as 500 artistes from 84 units of Rabindra Sammelan Parishad Bangladesh attended the event.
On the last day of the festival, visually impaired artiste Samapti Roy from Faridpur sang a moving Rabindranath song. Bhanushingher Padaboli and pala gaan were also performed on the concluding day.
At the concluding ceremony, renowned singers from different districts and the capital rendered Rabindra Sangeet, Nazrul Sangeet, recitation, dance, tabla lahora and more.