Great poet of his time
On August 21, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy and Jiyonkathi arranged a special programme at the Dance and Music Centre, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy to observe the birth centenary of poet Bishnu Dey (1909-1982).
The talented Dey carved a niche in the literary world at an early age. His first work 'Urbarshi O Artimis' was published in 1933. His second work ‘Chorabali’ (published in 1937), got him instant recognition from many of his contemporaries, including Rabindranath Tagore.
His acclaimed works include “Ruchi O Progati”, “Shondip-er Chor”, “Onnishto”, “Shahityer Bhobishhot”, “Tumi Shudhu Pochichhey Baishakh”, “Hey Bideshi Phul” and “Shei Ondhokar Chai” and a book on Tagore's art works (published in 1955).
His other works comprise “Marx and Literature in Bengal”, “Soviet Land” (winner of Nehru Prize); “In the Sun and the Rain”, and “Iashabashyo Dibinisha”.
His last work “Amar Hridoye Bacho”, a collection of his unpublished and selected poems, was published in 1981.
“Through his writings, Dey has enriched literature,” said poet Abdul Mannan Syed while speaking at the programme. “He was a great poet of his time and is yet to receive much deserved recognition,” Syed added.
Other discussants at the programme were Dr. Sanjida Khatun, president of Chhayanaut; Pabitra Sarkar; poet Syed Samsul Haque and Begum Akhtar Kamal.
The programme began with a group performance of the Tagore song “Anondo dhoni jagao gogoney”. Dr. Sanjida Khatun, Mita Haque, Iffat Ara Dewan, Bulbul Islam, Laisa Ahmed Lisa and Tania Mannan took part in the programme.
In the course of the discussion the speakers highlighted the contribution of Bishnu Dey to the literary firmament. Begum Akhter Kamal asserted, “If one studies his works deeply then it appears that he was a romantic poet as well.”
Dr. Sanjida Khatun presented an analysis of a 'Blood Pressure', a poem from Bisnu Dey's work “Smriti Shotta Bhobishot.”
Dr. Khatun said, “ On reading his poem the reference to disease seems to be an analogy with the state of society.”
Poet Syed Samsul Haque said, “During the 1930s Bishnu Dey was a major source of inspiration for me. I have received much needed guidance and inspiration from his works.”
After the discussion members of Jiyonkathi staged “Jeno Hoye Gechhey Bohu Deri”, a compilation of Bishnu Dey's poetry.
The event ended with “Ek Stobok” featuring poems written by Dey on Tagore songs. Tagore artistes Iffat Ara Dewan, Mita Haque, Bulbul Islam, Laisa Ahmed Lisa and Tania Manna performed Tagore songs “Era por key apon korey”, “Ei porobashey”, “Sharthak janam amar”, “Tomay notun korey pabo boley,” and “Porobashi choley esho” , while poet Biplab Bala presented a recitation.
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