Ramendu Majumdar receives Ekushey Padak ‘09
Jamil Mahmud
International Theatre Institute (ITI), worldwide President and renowned cultural personality Ramendu Majumdar is among the 13, who received ‘Ekushey Padak’ this year. Majumdar, a seasoned theatre activist, received the accolade for his immense contribution in generating interest in the medium throughout Bangladesh and taking our theatre to the world.
“This award will certainly inspire me a lot in continuing the work for development of theatre. Although we are not an affluent nation in the material sense, culturally we have a lot to give to the world. We want to achieve this goal,” said Majumdar at a programme held at the Central Shaheed Minar premises on February 23.
Shammilita Shangskritik Jote (SSJ) arranged the programme to felicitate and honour Majumdar. Several member organisations of SSJ took part in the programme and performed dance, recitation and songs.
“Today’s programme is significant to me for two reasons. First, the programme is taking place at the Shaheed Minar, which has been the epicentre of cultural movements in our history. The other reason for my excitement is that my colleagues and friends are honouring me,” said Majumdar.
Throughout his illustrious career, Majumdar has made significant achievement in several roles. He is the founder president of ITI Bangladesh, former chairman of BGTF, founder editor of the publication “Theatre” and founder member of the troupe Theatre.
President of SSJ, Nasiruddin Yousuff, who is abroad at present, sent a message congratulating Majumdar for his achievement. Among others, theatre personality Keramat Mawla spoke, while publisher and trustee of the Liberation War Museum Mofidul Hauqe presided over the programme.
Noted poet and writer Syed Shamsul Haque penned an acknowledgment letter to Majumdar.
At the programme, different cultural organisations including Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation, Bangladesh Patho Natok Parishad, Bangladesh Abritti Shamannay Parishad, Jatiyo Kabita Parishad, Udichi Shilpi Gosthi, ITI Bangladesh, Theatre, Centre for Asian Theatre, Wrishiz Shilpi Gosthi, Kranti, Palakar, Mahakal, Bangladesh Mahila Parishad and Gano Sangeet Parishad congratulated Majumdar with bouquets.
Members of Rabindra Sangeet Shammilan Parishad and Udichi Shilpi Gosthi rendered a chorus of “Shobarey kori ahban,” and “Gram thekey jegey otho” respectively.
Tagore singer Mita Haque and folk artistes Rupu Khan and Biman Chadra Biswas presented solo renditions, while Ahkamullah, Rafiqul Islam and Laila Afroz recited poems at the programme.
Noted Gano Sangeet artiste Fakir Alamgir sang “Muktijoddha manabatabadi biswajanin natyajan” — a song dedicated to Majumdar by Syed Ashekur Rahman. Theatre personality Shimul Yousuf rendered “Srijano chhandey anandey nacho natraj.”
The programme wrapped up with dance performances by members of Sukonya and Nrittyam.
Courtesy of www.thedailystar.net
