Celebrating Life -- Desher Gaan in Mymensingh

Professor Dr. Md. Rafiqul Hoque speaks and Nadira Begum sings at the programme.Photo: STAR

A full-house, especially the young, enjoyed the “Celebrating Life -- Desher Gaan” concert at Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin Auditorium of Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) on Tuesday evening.
Nadira Begum, a renowned Bhawaiya artiste, held sway over the audience with her stirring performance at the event.
She started with the song, “Ekbar Bhebe Dhekh Mon Pakhi”, which was received by rounds of applause.
Nadira Begum continued her journey into the realm of Bhawaiya songs with “Oki Garial Bhai”, “Palkito Na Charim, Dhula Na Lagibe”, “Naiyor Aar Na Jaiyo”, “Oki Bondhu Kajol Bhramora Re” and so on.
She also rendered Baroshia songs of Rajshahi region.
The instrumentalists -- Goutam Majumder on tabla, Md. Muniruzzaman on flute, Nirmol Kumar Das on dotara, Sumon Reza Khan on keyboard and Nazrul Islam on dhol -- also charmed the audience.
Other attractions at the event were 10 films presented by Celebrating Life Film Workshop.
The films were: “2B”, “Exotic”, “Joker Tel”, “Nam Nai”, “Na Golpo”, “Kath Golap”, “Kana Masud”, “Ghun Manush”, “A Television Virus” and “Stranger and the City”. The films were directed by Humaira, Mouri, Biplob, Mijanur, Riad, Hasan, Siddiq, Sonet, Shawan, Dhiman, Ashraf, Kollol, Sumon and Masud.
Vice-chancellor of BAU, Professor Dr. Md. Rafiqul Hoque, inaugurated the programme as chief guest.
Executive editor of The Daily Star, Syed Badrul Ahsan, among others, addressed the inaugural session. BAU proctor, Professor Dr. M.A Salam; secretary, Mymensingh Press Club, Mir Golam Mustafa, and Mymensingh Technical Education Welfare Association president, Md. Nazmul Islam, were also present at the programme.
The vice-chancellor, in his speech, said that agriculture is closely related to our heritage and culture. For example, when a farmer works in the field, he sings to ward off fatigue, he said.
The relationship between agriculture and culture is inseparable, said Professor Hoque, urging the BAU students to incorporate the country's cultural elements into their education.
Syed Badrul Ahsan told the audience about the aim of the “Celebrating Life” programme initiated by The Daily Star and Standard Chartered Bank Bangladesh.
The programme has been on throughout the country for last five years to promote and inspire local traditions and culture, a much-needed initiative to fortify our identity, said Ahsan.
Rafi Hossain, director of “Celebrating Life” and editor of Star Insight, presented the programme.