31st anniversary of Padatik Natya Sangsad

Abu Muhammad Murtaish Kochi

Theatre troupe Padatik Natya Sangsad celebrates its 31st anniversary this evening at the Experimental Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA). On the occasion the troupe will announce winners of this year's 'Kochi memorial Award'.
The troupe initiated the award in 2006 named after one of its founding member, the late Abu Muhammad Murtaish Kochi. The award is given in two categories -- "culture" and "law and social welfare".
ITI worldwide president Ramendu Majumdar will be present as the chief guest in today's programme. Bhuiyan Shafiqul Islam, director general, BSA and M. Hamid, chairman, Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation will be present as special guests. Golam Kuddus, general secretary, Sammilita Sangskritik Jote and lawyer Md. Sirajul Islam Khan will also speak on the occasion.
The anniversary programme will also feature dance and mime performances.
Apart from being a theatre activist, Kochi was also a lawyer. He completed his masters in Law from Dhaka University. Kochi performed in several plays of Padatik including "Kabor", "Shojon Badiyar Ghat", "Tin Rustomer Goppo" and "Ballavpurer Rupkatha". He was also the organising secretary of Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation. Kochi passed away in 2002.