Madhusudan Dutt's 187th Birthday Observed

(From left): Professor Shantanu Kaisar, Professor Golam Murshid, Shamsuzzaman Khan and Mohammad Abdul Hai at the discussion.

Bangla Academy organised a discussion and cultural programme recently on the occasion of 187th birth anniversary of Michael Madhusudan Dutt at the Seminar Hall of the academy.
Professor Golam Murshid read out a paper on Madhusudan's literary works. Noted literary critic Professor Shantanu Kaisar spoke on “Meghnad-Badh Kabya” and its literary elements. Mohammad Abdul Hai, director of Language, Literature, Culture and Newspaper Department of the academy, delivered the welcome speech. Shamsuzzaman Khan, director general of Bangla Academy presided over the programme.
Golam Murshid said, “Michael Madhusudan Dutt was an exceptionally gifted student. His merit, and unconventional, eventful life have added to his charismatic character. His works delved deep into individualism, romanticism and secularism.”
Shantanu Kaisar said, “Madhusudan's epic poem, 'Meghnad-Badh Kabya' is considered his all-time masterpiece till today. The epic was written in nine cantos which is unique in the history of Bengali poetry.
“With his extraordinary talent, Dutt brought about revolutionary changes in Bengali literature. He would always be highly regarded in the history of Bengali literature as the creator of Amitrakshar Chhanda. He collected themes for his literary works from the Sanskrit Puranas and ancient Hindu epics.”
Shamsuzzaman Khan said, “Dutt is considered a leading figure of the Bengali Renaissance of the mid-nineteenth century. His most significant contributions are to poetry.”
After the discussion, Manipuri Theatre staged Dutt's “Kohe Birangona”.