Celebrating Tagore's Nobel centenary

To celebrate 100 years of the conferment of the Nobel Prize on Rabindranath Tagore, Rabindra Parishad Bangladesh recently arranged a discussion, poetry recitation and musical programme at the Russian Centre of Science and Culture in Dhanmondi. Eminent personalities, including Tagore exponents, discussed different aspects of the bard's life, his timeless literary work “Geetanjali” as well as Tagore's views on his contemporary social setting. Noted Tagore singers of the country later rendered songs at the cultural programme.
Russian Ambassador to Dhaka Alexander A Nikolaev and Professor Harun-Ur Rashid were present as guests at the programme. Syed Mohammad Shahed, former director general of Bangla Academy and Professor of the Bangla Department of Dhaka University presided over the discussion. Ambassador Mosud Mannan also the convener of Rabindra Parishad Bangladesh, delivered the welcome speech at the programme.
Speakers shed light on varied aspects of Geetanjali, saying Tagore songs and poems have touched every possible emotion imaginable. The poet had always believed strongly that his creations would remain timeless; even a hundred years after his death, they would be cherished the same.
Elocutionists Kazi Madina, Rezina Wali Lina, Dr. Farhana Ahmed, Sajida Akhand and Bhashwar Bandopadhyay recited several poems from Geetanjali. Noted Tagore artistes Shama Rahman and Fahim Hossain Chowdhury rendered songs at the programme. Foreign minister, Dr. Dipu Moni -- also the special guest of the programme -- recited two poems from Geetanjali.