Negligence shrouds legend

August 10 marks the 86th birth anniversary of the legendary artist Sheikh Mohammad Sultan (1923-1994), popularly known as SM Sultan alias Lal Mia. Born on August10, 1923 at Masimdia, a village in Narail district, SM Sultan is considered one of the greatest painters of the sub-continent. He was declared as ‘Man of Asia’ in 1982 by the Cambridge University, and also received Ekushey Padak in the same year. In 1993 he was awarded with Swadhinata Padak.
For his unique expression of portraying divinity as well as the inner strength of human soul, Sultan is ranked amongst the world masters. The heroes of his huge canvases are ordinary peasants, fishermen, simple householders, and toiling men and women. Art lovers across the world consider him as the voice of Asia for his outstanding ability of depicting the strength of masses in their struggle for survival against the odds.
However, the occasion is being observed only in his home district today. It is limited to a daylong programme organised jointly by the Narail DC office and SM Sultan Shishu Charu O Karukala Foundation.
Bengal Foundation and SM Sultan Shishu Charu O Karukala Foundation, sponsored by mobile operator Banglalink, have chalked out three-day programme titled ‘Sultan Utshob 2010’ marking his birthday at the different places in the district including prize giving ceremony, exhibition, discussion and boat racing.
Considering such arrangements quite insufficient, the Sultan enthusiasts, however, allege that the demands such as opening of the incomplete Sultan Museum and regular maintenance of Shishu Swargo (an organisation for children incepted by Sultan himself) remain unnoticed. They demand for more initiatives at the government level.
‘Except for some private initiatives, no proper research work has been initiated by the government so far on the legendary artist, who had developed a unique style in art,’ commented renowned artist Rafiqunnabi.
‘I appreciate the private initiatives, but the government should also organize programmes to pay respect to the legendary artist.’ he further said.
Noted artist, Nikhil Chandra Das, who got training in painting from SM Sultan said that the museum had not kept open for visitors round the year. ‘Because of manpower shortage, it opens only on a few special occasions,’ regretted Nikhil.
‘The SM Sultan art college, which was scheduled to be finished within 2007, is also not opened officially, ‘added Nikhil.
A government source said that the government is yet to decide from when the museum will be open regularly, and that it depends on the recruitment of necessary manpower. Sources also confirmed that there is no possibility of opening the Sultan Museum in near future.
Labelling Sultan an ‘artist of the masses’, art critic Sadeq Khan said, ‘Sultan is not getting his due respect in the country. At least the government should display his artworks such as ‘Savyatar Kramabikash’, ‘Mach Dhara’, ‘Dhan Kata’ purchased from the artist for the museum and should preserve those valuable works properly.’

Courtesy of Weekly Holiday