Artistes of Bangladesh and India come together to celebrate Tagore

Iffat Ara Dewan (left) and Lily Islam sing at the afternoon session of the programme. Photo: Mumit M.

Through various programmes the mega-celebration of Rabindranath Tagore's 150th birth anniversary (May 8, 2011) has begun in both Bangladesh and India. Cultural organisations from both countries are arranging programmes in this regard.
As part of the celebration, a daylong cultural programme, titled 'Bishwe Bangali,' was held at the National Theatre Hall, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) yesterday. Cultural organisations Shurolok (Bangladesh) and Nabopratisruti (Kolkata, India), along with BSA, arranged the event, where noted signers, reciters and dancers from both countries performed.
National Professor Kabir Chowdhury inaugurated the event yesterday morning. Director General of BSA Kamal Lohani presided over the session. Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mizarul Kayes and secretary to the Cultural Ministry Hedayetullah Al Mamun were special guests.
In his speech, Professor Chowdhury emphasised on the need for all Bangla-speaking people to work together to further promote Rabindranath internationally. He said, “Bengalis have to fully embrace internationalism. We have to work together to present Rabindranath as a poet of the world.”
The cultural programme was divided into two sessions. After the inauguration, the first session began and continued till noon. Selected artistes, from Bangladesh and India, performed at the morning session of the programme.
The morning session featured Mita Haq, Rokaiya Hasina Nili, Himadri Shekhar and Mujibul Quayum from Bangladesh and Mohon Singh, Tithi Dev Barman and Supratik Das from Kolkata.
Each singer rendered two songs. Mita Haq sang “Aloker Ei Jharna Dharaye” and “Ke Boshiley Aaji”. Himadri's performance included “Pub Hawatey”. Mohon Singh sang “Kobey Ami Bahir Holem” and “Megh Bolechhey Jabo Jabo”.
Dahlia Islam recited “Udbodhon,” while Sharmila Bandopadhyay and her troupe Nrityanandan staged a dance.
A similar event will be held in Kolkata later this year, leading towards the actual celebration in May 2011.