Nationwide celebration of Udichi’s 40th anniversary
A scene from 'Abiram Jatra' (left); Artistes of Udichi perform at the programme. Photo: Mumit M
Udichi Shilpi Goshthi, an organisation that considers cultural revolution to be the decisive factor in social change, celebrated its 40th anniversary on October 29 at the National Theatre Stage, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. Founded by writer-journalist and political activist Satyen Sen, Udichi formally started its journey in 1968. The root of the organisation traces back to the mass upsurge against an autocracy. Throughout the decades, Udichi always has been a part of the major political and cultural movements.
Tebhaga Movement veteran, Kamakkhya Roy Chowdhury, inaugurated the event by lighting 40 candles at National Theatre Stage premises. President of Bangladesh Udichi Shilpi Gosthi, Jatin Sarker, hoisted the organisation's flag while artistes of the organisation rendered the National Anthem and the anthem of the organisation.
With the slogan “Banchabo Amar Desh, Jabena Ta Shotrur Dokholey,” (we'll protect our country, won't let enemies take over), the anniversary programme included a reunion of the current and former members and well-wishers of the organisation, discussion, documentary screening, music, drama and recitation. On the occasion, artists Pradip Ghosh, Shakti Noman, Zahid Mustafa and Anwar Hossain presented four artworks on the theme of the organisation's commitment to cultural practices. The paintings were done at the event.
Eminent personalities Hayat Mamud (former president of Udichi), Nasiruddin Yousuff and M. Hamid were present at the inauguration. A documentary featuring the history and activities of the organisation was screened after the inauguration. The documentary addressed the heinous grenade attack on the artistes of Udichi in 1999. In the discussion that followed, CPB president Manzurul Ahsan Khan; former general secretary of Udichi, Rezaul Karim Siddiqui; general secretary of the first central committee of Udichi, Golam Mohammad Idu and Udichi's current general secretary Mahmud Selim spoke on the organisation's contribution to our cultural arena.
A vow to fight the present rise of fundamentalism and aggression on arts in the country as reflected by the destruction of the baul sculptures recently, was also expressed in the speeches.
“Through ongoing cultural activities, people try to uphold their heritage that speaks of humanity. It is the responsibility of every cultural activist to speak out against any attempt to damage this heritage,” said Jatin Sarkar in his speech.
Designer of Udichi's flag, artist Anwar Hossain and the logo designer late Amin Hossain were also honoured at the event.
The cultural programme began with a performance by Wrishiz Shilpi Gosthi. Artistes of Wrishiz inspired the enthusiastic audience with their popular ganosangeet titled “Rakto diye kinlam Bangla” and “Bhoy ki moroney.” Udichi then staged their musical play “Jatra Abiram,” a vibrant performance featuring songs, recitation, acting and video clips depicting the views and activities of the organisation. “Jatra Abiram” has been written by Mahmud Selim and directed by Amit Ranjan Dey and Ratan Deb. Cultural organisation Kranti also performed at the event. Udichi's Narayanganj branch presented Lalon songs.
Jhenidah
Azibor Rahman, Jhenidah
Jessore Udichi unit has organised a five-day programme on the occasion of the organisation's 40th anniversary. On Wednesday morning Udichi members placed wreaths on the Shaheed Minar. Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Jessor, Nepur Ahmed, inaugurated the ceremony.
Wednesday's programme included discussion, poetry recitation, dance, "geetinaksha," and a play "Guptabidya" at the BD hall.
According to Jessore Udichi secretary Sukumar Das, yesterday's programme included "Biraltantra" staged by Bagerhat Rudra Natyadal, "Juddho Shadhinota" by Narail Chitra Theatre, and "Phool-er Biye" by Magura Udichi.
Today Khulna Udichi will stage "Chaurasta," Chuadanga Darshana Anirban Theater will stage "Beej," Jessore Hallabal will stage "Shekor," and Jessore Udichi will stage "Jodi Amra Shobai.”
Dinajpur
Kongkon Karmaker, Dinajpur
Dinajpur unit of Bangladesh Udichi Shilipi Gosthi kicked off a two daylong celebration programme on the occasion of the organisation's 40th anniversary with discussion, procession and plays.
The progra-mme began at Dinajpur Nattya Samity Auditorium on Wednesday night.
Md. Abdul Kalam Azad, local cultural personality and chief adviser of Dinajpur Udichi unit inaugurated the programme.
Md. Azizul Imam Chowdhury, president of Dinajpur Udichi unit, attended the discussion as chief guest. Dr. Masudul Haque, professor of Dinajpur Government College; Sunil Kumar Majumdar; Advocate Liaquat Ali; Mirza Anwarul Islam Tanu, convenor of Dinajpur Sammillito Sangskritik Jote and vice-president of Dinajpur Udichi unit and Md. Azadullah Sarkar, joint general secretary of Dinajpur Udichi unit were special guests.
The recent surge of assault on the arts and cultural practices was the highlight of the discussion. Speakers urged the government to take a definitive stance against this aggression.
They also criticised Dinajpur Deputy Commissioner's stance as he declined to let Dinajpur Udichi bring out a procession on its anniversary. Speakers also urged the caretaker government to restore the "baul sculpture" in front of the Zia International Airport.
Udichi started its journey in 1968 and now has around 300 branches across the country.
A cultural programme featuring performances by artistes of Dinajpur Udichi unit followed the discussion.
The progra-mme started with a choral rendition of an 'adhunik' song. Anna Adhikary sang a Lalon Geeti. Laxmi Kanta Roy rendered "Ki korey bolibo ami," a song popularised by Sabina Yasmin. Shikriti Das sang "Amer du chokh bhora shapno." Pallab and his troupe performed three dance compositions.
The first day's programme ended with a play featuring the shutting down of Adamjee Jute Mill, rendering thousands of workers jobless.
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