Cultural programme highlighting patriotism and Liberation War

Bhaswar Banarjee recites, Aditi Mohsin and expatriate artiste Dilara Afroz Khan sing at the programme Photo: STAR

As a part of the ongoing First Non-Resident Bangladeshi (NRB) Conference 2007, a vibrant cultural programme was held at the Winter Garden, Hotel Sheraton on December 27. Hundreds of expatriate Bangladeshis and local guests enjoyed the evening featuring performances by Bangladeshi artistes from home and abroad.
The theme “Patriotism and Liberation War” was highlighted through songs, recitations and dance performances at the event dedicated to Pandit Ravi Shankar and George Harrison, the two key figures behind the historic 'Concert for Bangladesh' at the Madison Square Garden in New York in 1971.
Noted recitor Bhaswar Banarjee opened the evening with the poem Kanu Shidhu by Debabrata Singha. Written in the dialect of Bankura district of West Bengal, the poem traces the brutal experiences of the Santals during the Santal Rebellion in 1855.
Patriotic songs performed by Aditi Mohsin of Chhayanat followed. Aditi started with the celebrated Tagore song O amar desher mati. She also rendered Sarthokjonom amar, Jodi tor dak shuney and DL Roy's Ekbar gaal bhora ma dakey.
Mahidul Islam recited the poem Matribhumir Jonyo, a chronicle of an expatriate Bangladeshi who craves for his country. Rudra Mohammad Shahidullah's poem Batashey Lasher Gondho was recited next.
Noted folk artiste Bipul Bhattacharya rendered several songs aired from the Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra during the Liberation War. Ei na Bangladesher gaan, Teer hara ei dheuer shagor, Aamar desh shob manusher and Bolo bolore bolo shobe seemed to move the audience.
A video of a song dedicated to the NRBs was screened at the event. Mahmuduzzaman Babu, Dilara Afroz Khan and Dilara Pushpita have rendered the song.
One of the organisers, expatriate artiste Dilara Afroz Khan sang Jodi hotam go ektara and Shonen shonen Banglar kotha in the programme.
Mahmuduzzaman Babu performed the Bangla version of American poet and singer Joan Baez's Song of Bangladesh. Ami Banglar gaan gai followed. Bhor hoyni and Khule de ma shekoler bondhon were the other renditions by the artiste.
The evening also included expatriate singer Tinni's performance and dance by members of the cultural organisation Spondon. Directed by Anik Basu, the dance performance wrapped up the cultural programme.
The Daily Star, Prothom Alo and TV channels ATN Bangla, Channel i are the media partners of the event.