Bishwa Shahitya Kendra celebrates 30th anniversary
Jamil Mahmud
Eminent educationist and president of the trustee board of Bishwa Shahitya Kendra (BSK), Professor Abdullah Abu Sayeed, said that the organisation’s journey for enlightened people is eternal. “There are some dreams that have no specific destination. These dreams are unbound and they move forward. The movement, triggered by them, is the ultimate achievement,” said Professor Sayeed at the celebration of BSK’s 30th anniversary.
With the slogan “Alokito Manush Chai,” BSK started its journey on December 17, 1978. The organisation is a public welfare trust.
To celebrate the joyous occasion, BSK arranged a daylong programme at the Central Public Library premises yesterday. Amidst much enthusiasm, the programme began with a procession in the morning that started from and ended at the Public Library premises after circling TSC, Dhaka University.
Eminent personalities including politician Rashed Khan Menon, media personality Mustafa Monwar, theatre personality M. Hamid, illusionist Jewel Aich and litterateur Anisul Haque attended the procession.
Over the last three decades, BSK has made momentous achievements, but the modest Professor Sayeed does not want to call them “accomplishments.”
“Our journey doesn’t end here. We want to convey our message to each corner of the country. It’s not possible to do it overnight. I and my BSK colleagues have been trying to accomplish our goal over the last three decades and the collective effort will continue,” added Professor Sayeed, a recipient of the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Journalism, Literature, and Creative Communication Arts.
At present BSK conducts seven kinds of literary projects throughout the country including mobile libraries, study circles, publications and cultural activities. At present the organisation reaches over four lakh people of 59 districts. Among these, BSK has provided books to students of 45 districts through its mobile libraries. Furthermore the organisation has started working internationally as it has five branches in USA and UK.
Among others, Mustafa Monwar, Justice Golam Rabbani and poet Mahadev Saha spoke at the programme.
In his speech Mustafa Monwar said, “I hope BSK will overcome all odds and will work to prevent children becoming ‘mechanical.'”
Justice Golam Rabbani said, “Back in day, we had a healthy reading habit. The onset of ‘TV culture’ changed that scenario. Along with his colleagues, Professor Sayeed has been working determinedly to popularise the habit of reading outside the curriculum.”
The anniversary celebration included a cultural programme as well where eminent artistes performed traditional songs, recitation, dance and more.
Noted artistes including Indra Mohan Rajbangshi, Subir Nandi, Abida Sultana, Fakir Alamgir, Shammi Akhtar, Pragna Laboni, Bulbul Islam, Shoma Roy, Bhaswar Bandyopadhyay, Tapan Mahmud, Mita Haque, Mahadev Ghosh, Chandana Majumdar and cultural organisations including Rabirasmi, Udichi, Nibedan, Wrishiz, Spondon and Polli Baul Shamaj performed at the programme.
Courtesy: thedailystar.net
