Professor Hayat Mamud steps on 80

Eminent essayist-poet Professor Dr Hayat Mamud's 80th birthday was celebrated yesterday. The programme was organised by the publication house, Puthiniloy. It was held in Abdul Karim Shahityabisharad auditorium, Bangla Academy. The programme began with a small documentary video on the writer followed by a book launching ceremony and cultural performances.

Minister of Cultural Affairs of the Government of Bangladesh Asaduzzaman Noor, MP was present as the chief guest. The panel of guests included National Professor Anisuzzaman, theatre personnel Ramendu Majumdar and many others. Professor Dr Hayat Mahmud also received felicitation from his students, colleagues and admirers.

He received a Bangla Academy Award for children's literature and Ekushe Padak for language and literature. Professor Dr Hayat Mamud's original name was Moniruzzaman. He opted for a pen-name Hayat Mamud when he started writing poems.