Pandit Ajoy Chakrabarty’s Raag Maitree enchants Bangladesh

The glorious Golden Jubilee of Bangladesh's independence saw myriads of songs, poems and art in tribute, but one that is unrivaled was Pandit Ajoy Chakrabarty's Raag Maitree, which he specifically created for Bangladesh.

The 10-day celebrations of Mujib Chirantan, in remembrance of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at the National Parade Square ended yesterday, but not before the renowned Pandid unveiled his scintillating raga in front of tens of thousands of people.

Pt. Ajoy Chakrabarty sang three songs in Sanskrit, Bangla and Hindi, in melody of the beautiful raga. "I am honoured to be here with my family on this momentous occasion," he said during the programme. "My parents were born in Mymensingh, so I consider myself from here as well."

He went on to pay respects to Ustad Bilayat Khan and Ustad Alauddin Khan, both of whom were born in Bangladesh's soil.

The Sanskrit song created following Raag Maitree was created by renowned philosopher Arindam Chakrabarty. The Hindi version was created by Dr Susmita Basu and Ravi Barman, while Ajoy Chakraborty's student, Anal Chakrabarty, created the Bengali version, titled "Aaj Abar Atit Beye Itihash Chhuye Dekha".

The programme had started with Oscar-winning composer A R Rahman's song "Ek Dost Mujib Hain Bangla". It also featured a stellar orchestration by Atul Raninga, performances by legendary Bangladeshi singers Syed Abdul Hadi and Momotaz Begum, and a dance performance choreographed by Warda Rihab.