The port city reveals its indomitable spirit

The spirit and heritage of a port city: Images from Odommo Chattagram.Photo: STAR

The 12-daylong “Odommo Chattagram” celebration, by The Daily Star, ended on a high note. With new hope in their hearts, the people of Chittagong pledged to turn the rich potential of the port city into reality for the betterment of the entire country.
Nobel laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus graced the occasion as chief guest. In his visionary speech full of references, Professor Yunus elaborated the realities and potentials of the port city against the backdrop of the forthcoming global economic order.
Bureau Chief of The Daily Star, Chittagong, Raisul Huq Bahar welcomed all at the concluding programme of the festival that was held at the auditorium of Institute of Engineers Bangladesh, Chittagong on April 10.
Several artistes of Raktokarobi Sangeet Goshthi set off the event with the rendition of the national anthem, followed by a rendition of a patriotic song “Bangla Ma'r Durnibar Amra Torundol”. The artistes also performed a Nazrul number “Durgamgiri Kantar Moru” that seemed to evoke the indomitable spirit of the port city.
Subhra Sengupta led her troupe, School of Oriental Dance, in showcasing several lively dance performances. The artistes danced to a medley of Chittagonian folk melodies including “Choto Choto Dheu Tuli”, “Bashkhali Maheshkhali”, “Manurey O Sundar Manush”, “Jodi Sundar Ekkhan Mukh Paitam”, “Ore Sampanwala”, “Monero Baganey Phutilo Phul Rey”, “Koiljar Bhitor Gathi Raikkhum Towarey” and “Shona Bondhu Tui Amarey Korli Diwana”.
Through the dance pieces they brilliantly depicted the beauty of the river Karnaphuli, the heritage of sampan, traditional betel leaf of Maheshkhali and romance.
Felicitating the chief guest, editor and publisher of The Daily Star, Mahfuz Anam said, “Truly this man (Mohammad Yunus) is a visionary; awarded by almost all the countries of the world and honoured by almost all the world leaders.”
“The wrapping up of the festival doesn't mean that the indomitable spirit will wane; rather it was livened up through the festival,” added Mahfuz Anam.
He also elaborately mentioned every aspect of the festival including history showcasing, gala opening ceremony, painting exhibition, photography exhibition, theatre festival, film festival, food festival, youth festival, science festival, sampan baich, children's festival, brand expo, economic conference, music and dance performances and a vivacious concluding ceremony.
The Daily Star posthumously honoured 56 illustrious personalities of Chittagong. The leading English daily also awarded 19 living legends, including anti-British revolutionary Binod Bihari Chowdhury and two industrial enterprises at the event. Professor Yunus handed over awards to the recipients.
Appreciating the initiative of The Daily Star, Chakma King Barrister Debashish Roy spoke at the event. Poet, Tagore exponent and resident
editor of Prothom Alo, Chittagong, Abul Momen emceed the event.
Later, members of Natua, a noted mime troupe of the port city, staged a show titled “Roop-e Rosh-e Chattagram”. At the beginning of the show, a celebrated dhol player Babul Jaldas enthralled the audience with his pulsating beats. The production vividly featured the opulent culture and heritage of Chittagong through the presentation of the untainted landscape, puthipath, bioscope, kirtan, jatra and much more.
The stage show symbolically upheld the indomitable spirit of the Chittagonian people by floating a sampan that got mired in the sands (char).
Director of Natua, Debangshu Hore, choreographed the production while Ankhi Majumdar, Rashed, Saimon, Pavel, Ilias, Rafsan, Refai, Emon, Jasimuddin, Pia, Keya, Farzana, Poly and others enacted roles in it. Rumjhum, a Rangamati-based dance troupe, presented Pahari dance (bottle) in it. New Ananda Band Party entertained the audience with rhythm. Local fishermen also acted in the show. Rashed directed the art while Amanullah Ripon and Sam were in charge of the overall management of the show.