In remembrance of Kalidas Karmakar
In remembrance of renowned artist and Ekushey Padak awardee Kalidas Karmakar, a programme was organised at the National Art Gallery of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA), recently. It was supported by Bangladesh Charu Shilpi Sangshad (BCSS).
The event was presided over by Liaquat Ali Lucky, Director General, BSA. Acclaimed actor Ramendu Majumdar and painter Hashem Khan were in attendance. Waliur Rahman, Former Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh, Jahid Mustafa, Vice President, BCSS, Ashraful Alam Poplu, Fine Arts Director, BSA, and visual artist Nazia Andaleeb Preema, along with Kalidas’ family members Konka Karmakar, Keya Karmakar and Proshanto Karmakar, were also present at the programme, among others.
“Kalidas was an institution himself. He was a philosopher, a thinker and a rebel,” said Waliur Rahman. His speech was followed by Konka Karmakar’s recollection of her memories with her father.
Hashem Khan also shared his memories with the artist.“I was a friend and teacher of Kalidas. He was in the first batch I taught as a teacher at Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka. I find it hard to believe that he is no longer amongst us,” he said.
Ramendu Majumdar also spoke on the occasion. “I met Kalidas when I was staying in India as a refugee. We came back to Bangladesh together after the Liberation War,” he said. “I have come across his artworks several times. He was a brilliant artist.”
Liaquat Ali Lucky spoke about the versatility of Kalidas as an artist. “Throughout his career, Kalidas has exhibited his works across the world. However, his paintings always radiated the fragrance of our culture and heritage,” he mentioned.
Kalidas passed away on October 18, 2019, due to a cardiac arrest, at his residence. He had just returned from The Philippines, and was planning to visit Nepal in the consecutive week. His sudden death came as a shock not just to his family, but also to his friends and all those who knew him.
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