A trip down memory lane

Top-Bottom: Dr. Sanjida Khatun speaks at the reunion.
Former students of Chhayanaut perform at the programme.

Leading cultural organisation Chhayanaut held a reunion at the University Laboratory School and College on Dhaka University campus on December 16. Before Chhayanaut moved to its own building, classes used to be held at the school. The programme also marked Victory Day celebration by the organisation. Present and former students of Chhayanaut gathered at the venue on the day to share fond memories.
Khairul Anam Shakil, noted Nazrul singer and general secretary of Chhayanaut, informed that the organisation has been arranging cultural programmes on Victory Day over the years, but this year's celebration surpassed the previous ones as it was attended by so many former students.
Shakil also informed that Chhayanaut held its classes at University Laboratory School for over three decades. During that period, the organisation had trained around 40,000 students -- instilling in them traditional values, which Shakil feels is a remarkable achievement.
In a brief speech, President of Chhayanaut, Dr. Sanjida Khatun recounted those days.
"Chhayanaut came to Laboratory School in 1972. During the Liberation War, all of our training venues were destroyed. Finding no other alternative, we requested the then DU authorities to allow us to use the school building for our classes. The DU authorities gladly agreed," she said.
Dr. Sanjida Khatun expressed her gratitude to the DU authorities and said, "One of the reasons the DU authorities agreed to our proposal was that they thought it would help enhance a culturally oriented ambience on campus."
Dr. Khatun also talked about the motto of Chhayanaut: "Over the years, Chhayanaut has worked to enlighten people with our true culture. We don't want to give up. After being trained, our students will go to all corners of the country and generate awareness in our traditions and culture."
"We want to ensure that people of Bangladesh remain 'Bangaali.'"
After the speeches, a cultural programme was held where students and teachers of the school rendered songs.