3 cultural luminaries honoured

Rain and gloomy weather could not dampen the air of festivity and splendour that fenced the capital’s International Convention City Bashundhara yesterday for the award ceremony of Standard Chartered-The Daily Star Celebrating Life’s 12th edition.

This year’s theme was “Folk Heritage of Bangladesh”, which evokes a special appeal in terms of lyrics, philosophies and heart-touching melody in Bengali culture.

The competition brought in thousands of entries in the film-making, photography and lyric writing segments, among which the best were awarded at the gala yesterday.

Three cultural icons -- legendary singer Syed Abdul Hadi, film personality Sarah Kabori and theatre personality Syed Jamil Ahmed -- were given lifetime achievement awards. They were welcomed on the red-carpet entrance to Nabaratri Hall.

Shaikh Mohiruddin, Sohel Chowdhury and Liman Barua were the winners of the first, second and third prizes for photography. Winners for lyrics were Tapan Bagchi, Rana Masud and Mohsin Ahmed. For film, Suborna Senjutee Tushee won the award.

The event, hosted by Nobonita Chowdhury, began with a spectacular dance performance by Warda Rihab’s group.

As the programme progressed, Editor and Publisher of The Daily Star Mahfuz Anam delivered his welcome speech, after which a documentary on the three life-time achievers was played.

The three awardees were then called on to the stage to accept the honours.

Receiving the award, Syed Abdul Hadi thanked everyone and said he felt honoured.

“Understanding the celebration of life has brought human beings from the stone age to modern age. We never know how far it might take us in the future,” he said.

Sarah Kabori praised the documentary makers for their “spectacular work on the award winners”.

Speaking as the chief guest, MP Asaduzzaman Noor lauded The Daily Star for promoting and rewarding young talents from across the country.

“We give importance on text-based education, rather than the creative and cultural education. It’s not the right way,” he said.

“Our children have creativity in them, it’s our duty to guide them to grow up as better human beings with cultural and secular mind.”

Naser Ezaz Bijoy, CEO of the Standard Chartered, Bangladesh, said, “Taking Celebrating Life to the national level was our main aim… We have always tried to find a way for the young talents to explore their own potentials.”

Earlier in his welcome address, The Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam mentioned that the institution itself felt privileged to be able to honour the awardees.

He said, “If we do not know how to celebrate life, then there is no point of living life. Life will have challenges, obstacles, however, life means harmony, beauty, creativity and peace, at the same time.

“No nation is truly complete without the practice of liberal arts and creativity.”

Prolific musicians Syed Abdul Hadi, Dilruba Khan, Indra Mohan Rajbongshi, Chandana Mazumdar, Fahmida Nabi, Shukonna Mazumder Ghosh, Ismat Ara Eva and Mohammed Shoeb performed the award-winning songs of the contest.

Italian Ambassador to Bangladesh Mario Palma and Nepal Ambassador Banshidhar Mishra were present at the event.

Celebrating Life began its journey as a national-level contest in 2008. Many established filmmakers, musicians and photographers of today had their first recognition in this unique competition that encourages aspiring talents who have the potential. The competition introduces a new theme every year, on which the contestants must base their work accordingly. Last year’s theme was “Architecture of Bangladesh”.