Chhayanaut lays foundation for Apala Bhaban

Chhayanaut, the country's leading school for cultural practices, is setting up a new cultural centre in Keraniganj's Ati Bhawal village, with the vision of spreading Bangalee cultural education outside the capital. The foundation of the Apala Bhaban, named after cultural activist Apala Farhat Noved (1957-2011), was laid on Friday by eminent litterateur and educationist Hasan Azizul Haque.

“Apala Farhat Noved had this vision for a long time and worked all her life towards it,” Haque said while lauding Chhayanaut for taking the initiative to bring her vision to life. The building is being established on a one bigha land donated by Apala's family.

In her address, Chhayanaut founder and chairperson Dr. Sanjida Khatun elaborated on the background of the project. “It is a big achievement for Chhayanaut to take its ideology beyond the boundaries of the city to the suburbs,” she said, stressing on the importance of creating a connection with people of all stages of society.

Other speakers at the event were Chhayanaut vice chairman Abul Hasnat, local Taranagar union chairman Mosharraf Hossain and engineer Md. Obaid Rahman.

The programme began with a group Bratachari dance by students of Chhayanaut's school Nalanda. Later, the foundation was laid with the song “Phirey Chol Mati'r Taney” being sung in the background, while Chhayanaut artistes also sang “O Bhai Khati Sonar Cheye Khati Amar Desher Mati” as Chhayanaut trustee AFM Saifuddaula planted a tree on the premises.

Chhaynaut expects to have the building ready for various activities by the beginning of next year.