Noted poet Shamsur Rahman’s peers and fellow poets recited self-composed poems dedicating them to the poet in a programme celebrating
the poet’s 84th birth anniversary.
The programme, titled Ashuvoyer Sathe Aposhbihin Dando Chai, was jointly organsied by Jatiyo Kobita Parisad and Shamsur Rahman Smrity Parisad that took place at the TSC,Dhaka University Campus on Wednesday.
Poet Kamal Chowhury recited his poem Juddho Shishu at the programme in memory of Shamsur Rahman. The poem, which conveyed an anti-war message, also reminded Shamsur Rahman’s struggle for creating a peaceful world free of all types of confrontations.
Kazi Rosy upheld the spirit of Shamsur Rahman through the recitation of her poem Ek O Ekok Tini, in which she portrayed the straits of an enlightended personality.
Poet-cum-playwright Anisul Haque also recalled Rahman through the recitation of his poem Bhalobasar Bhalobasa at the programme. The poem touched the hearts of the audiences with its strong message of humanity while presented in the loud voice of Haque.
Recitation artiste Rafiqul Islam bestowed his respect to Rahman by reciting one of the most popular poems of Rahman Phiriye Nao Ghatok Kanta. Laila Afroz received loud applause after she recited Rahman’s remarkable poem Agamemron.
Shamsur Rhaman is remembered for his timeless poem Swadhinota Tumi. The poem was presented as a song by Abida Rahman Setu at the programme. Composed by Shahil Rahman, the song received hearty acclamation from the audiences.
The programme also featured solo music presentation by Yakub Ali Khan, who presented popular Nazrul songs. Khan presented Gulbagichar bulbuli in his blissful voice creating a joyous atmosphere in the arena. Another presentation of Khan Alga korogo khopar badhon revealed the beauty of Nazrul songs.
Singer Tania Mannan, on the other hand, presented timeless songs of Rabindranath Tagore including Amar mukti alloy alloy and Modhur o tomar shesh jey nai at the programme.
The cultural session began with a group dance by the artistes of Nrittyam. The dance routine, directed by Tamanna Rahman, was danced to the timeless Tagore song Bhengechho duwar enechho jotirmoy at the programme.
Before the cultural session, the programme commenced with a discussion session where the world-wide president of International Theatre Institute Ramendu Majumder; noted artist Quiyum Chowdhury; poet Belal Chowdhury; trustee of the Liberation War Museum Mafidul Haque; poet Habibullah Siraji, and others delivered speeches on life and works of Shamsur Rahman. The discussion session was presided over by cultural personality Professor Anisuzzaman, who is also the president of Shamsur Rahman Smrity Parisod.
Poet Shamsur Rahman (October 23, 1929 – August 17, 2006), who emerged in the later half of the 20th century, authored more than 60 collections of poems including Prothom Gaan Ditio Mrityur Agey, Roudro Karotitey, Biddhosto Nilima, Je Andho Sundori Kadey and Deshodrohi Hote Ichchhey Korey. As a poet Rahman upheld humanism, human relations, romanticism, democracy, satire on religious fundamentalism and more. He was also a columnist and a journalist in his lifetime.
-With New Age input
