Cultural organisation Chhayanaut observed the 15th death anniversary of its founding president poet Sufia Kamal, which actually falls on November 20, through a commemorative programme at its auditorium in Dhanmondi on Saturday. The programme featured discussion and music presentations by the artistes and students of the cultural organisation. They rendered timeless songs of Ranajikanta Sen, Atul Prasad Sen and Dwijendralal Roy in solo and group presentations.
The performance began with a group rendition of Rajanikanta Sen’s evergreen song Sneho bihobal karuna chhalachhal. The combined voices of about 30 Chhayanaut artistes created a joyous atmosphere in the hall while rendering the song.
The chorus also presented Atul Prasad Sen’s song Aaay aay amar sathe aay and Dwijendralal Roy’s Aji go tomar charaney, both of which delighted the audience who responded with a loud applause at the end of the presentation.
Seasoned Tagore singer Iffat Ara Dewan presented Atul Prasad’s song Kato gaan to halo gaowa. Another noted Tagore singer Mita Haq also presented Atul Prasad’s song Ami badhinu tomar tirey in her beautiful voice modulation. Noted artiste Bulbul Islam as well, made the evening pleasant with his performance of Rajanikanta’s song Ami sakol kajer.
ATM Jahangir presented Rajanikanta’s Ami akriti adham in his stentorian voice while Azizur Rahman Tuhin soulfully presented Dwijendralal Roy’s Aji tomar kanchhe. Earlier, a discussion session was held where cultural personalities Dr Sarwar Ali and Mafidul Haque discussed on the life and works of the poet Sufia Kamal.
Ali, in his speech, said that a poet like Sufia Kamal is urgently needed in present time when religious fundamentalism is hampering cultural activities.
Mafidul Haque’s speech focused on three aspects of the life and works of Sufia Kamal—her struggles, her poetry and her passion for music. He also told that Sufia Kamal’s poetry was highly praised by Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam. Haque mentioned that Sufia Kamal did not write poetry only out of her passion towards literature, but poetry was her tool to change the society.
A good number of audience enjoyed the show that was both informative and entertaining. Tahmima Rahim, a college student, observed that the performances were enjoyable. ‘It would have been even better if the organizers had included Tagore and Nazrul songs,’ observed Rahim.
While Rafiqul Alam, a private service holder, said that he came to know many things about Sufia Kamal at the show which were previously unknown to him.
-With New Age input
