Discussion on the role of cultural activists in major movements

Discussants at the programme.Photo: STAR

Speakers at a discussion conveyed that cultural activists and artistes have played key role in social revolutions throughout the ages. However, their contributions often go unrecognised. Gonoshilpi Sangstha, Pabna organised the discussion on "The Role of Cultural Activists in Last Hundred Years' Movement" on the occasion of its 25th anniversary.
The discussion was held at Pabna Press Club auditorium last Thursday. President of Gonoshilpi Sangstha, Pabna, Professor Shibojit Nag, chaired the programme. Cultural activist, Advocate Shafiqul Islam Shibli, presented the keynote paper on the topic.
Eminent educationalist of the district, Professor Md. Nurunnabi; former head of Bangla department of Pabna Edward College, Professor Md. Kamruzzaman; former President of Pabna Bar Shamity, Advocate Abdul Motin; and Secretary of Sammilito Sangskritik Jote, Pabna, Salfi Al Fattah, among others, spoke at the programme. Secretary of Gonoshilpi Sangstha, Pabna, Mushfiqa Jahan Konika, conducted the discussion.
Speakers focused on the role of cultural activists in every progressive movement in our country. Artistes and cultural activists have inspired the people of our country in every major movement, including 'Tebhaga,' Language Movement in 1952, mass upsurge in 1969, Liberation War and the anti-autocracy movement in 1990, they said.
Cultural activists took to the streets with inspirational songs, plays and more during each major movement. However, their contributions have rarely been highlighted, speakers expressed. They urged all to recognise and honour the social involvement of artistes and cultural activists, stressing on the need to unite to uphold our cultural heritage.