Late novelist Akhteruzzaman Elias, in his acclaimed essay ‘Sangskritir Bhanga Setu’ (Broken Bridge of Culture), elucidated what happens when we forget our roots, when the link between tradition and modernism gets infringed. Modernism, to be of any benefit and fruitfulness, must connect itself to what has gone before, to what sustains the life-line of common people. That is why, a country should not only remember its tradition, its folklore, but also establish an uninfringeable relation with it. This perhaps sums up late author Elias’ perception, expressed through his writings.
But the present urban culture, more often than not, seems to be oblivious to the country’s rich cultural heritage. Bangla Academy, in a bid to promote research in and practice of folklore, has been working since 1985.
The academy has organised a ten-day workshop titled Folklore Summer School where around 35 folk-researchers are participating. Begun on June 17, the workshop gives an opportunity to the folk-researchers of the country to enrich themselves by sharing opinions and information.
Cultural affairs minister Asaduzzaman Noor inaugurated the workshop as the chief guest, while Indian folklorist Jawaharlal Handu and Soumen Sen were present as special guests. Shamsuzzaman Khan, director general of Bangla Academy, delivered the welcome speech and emeritus professor Anisuzzaman presided over the inauguration.
Shamsuzzaman Khan, in his welcome speech, said, ‘Folklore mirrors a community’s identity. Without clear and adequate grip on folklore, one cannot expect to understand the present’.
‘Compared to the neighbouring countries, folklore studies, in our country, is not up to a satisfying level’, he added.
The ten-day workshop will help the researchers come to terms with the ongoing trends and practices in folklore studies in the world, the director general hoped.
Noted folklorist Jawaharlal Handu said that in the socio-cultural perspective of Bangladesh, folklore studies should be emphasised, and for that a folklore institute is necessary.
Cultural affairs minister Asaduzzaman Noor thanked Bangla Academy for arranging such a workshop which, he thinks will inspire the researchers. The minister also added that he would do whatever is needed for promoting folklore studies.
-With New Age input
