The first lesson in alphabets
On the occasion of the International Mother Language Day (Saturday), Sammilito Sanskritik Jote, Pabna organised an exceptional event for children. At the event, held in Pabna Town Hall, pre-schoolers were given their first lesson in alphabets. Elderly teachers of the district gave the lesson.
At least 50 children of the district -- all aged between 3 and 4 -- were given lessons in alphabets. Former Principal of Pabna Edward College Professor Shibojit Nag; Professor Monwar Hossain Zahedi, former head of the Bangla Department, Pabna Edward College; former high school teacher Saleh Ahmed; Rawshan Akhter, widow of a freedom fighter; former headmaster of a primary school, Khalilur Rahman, among others, took part in the event.
The teachers taught the children how to write on slates. Kids -- accompanied by parents -- received lessons in writing Bangla alphabets.
Teachers seemed delighted to take part in this unique event. “This is a great opportunity for me to witness children receiving their first lesson in learning Bangla,” said Professor Shibojit Nag.
“Once upon a time a child's first lesson in alphabets, known locally as 'Haat-e Khari,' was given by elderly pundits and the occasion, and it was a tradition to celebrate the event. Sadly, this social custom has become extinct now. Such type of programmes arranged by cultural activists is a welcome change,” said Saleh Ahmed, a retired school teacher.
A discussion was held at Pabna Town Hall premise on this occasion. President of Sammilito Sangshkritik Jote, Pabna, Md. Abul Kashem chaired the programme while cultural activists and renowned teachers spoke on the occasion. Speakers stressed the need for proper lessons for children and instil in them the values of Language Movement.
Children are the future of the country. So it is our social duty to teach the future nation-builders properly. Bengali children should learn Bengali language, traditions and our history, speakers added.
Sammilito Sanskritik Jote, Pabna organised a two-week long programme marking the month of February. The programme was started on February 16.
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