Acharya Dinesh Chandra Sen Gold Medal

The recipients of the Award (L-R standing) Ahmed Musa, Dr Wakil Ahmed, Feroza Begum seen with (sitting L-R) LGRD and Co-operatives Minister Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan and Dr Ashraf Siddiqui

In memory of this virtuoso, the Acharya Dinesh Chandra Sen Gold Medal was given on May 28 at the Novera Hall of the National Museum. Organised by the literary organisation Nandini Shahitya O Pathchakra in association with the Acharya Dinesh Chandra Sen Research Society, Kolkata, the programme featured a discussion on Dinesh Chandra Sen and the prize giving ceremony. Three eminent personalities: folklore researcher Dr Wakil Ahmed for 2002, Nazrul exponent and singer Feroza Begum for 2003 and renowned writer-dramatist Ahmed Musa for 2004; were awarded the gold medals for their remarkable contribution in their related fields.

Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan, the LGRD and co-operatives minister was the chief guest while, folklore exponent Dr Ashraf Siddiqui, Borhan Ahmed, Executive Editor of Janakantha and Professor Syed Mohammed Shahed were the special guests. Mahmudul Haq, director general of National Museum, presided over the programme.

The scholar's great grand daughter Devkanya Sen established Acharya Dinesh Chandra Sen Research Society in 1989. The society promotes the memoirs of Dinesh Chandra among the youth. It also bridges the cultural differences between Bangladesh and West Bengal by giving awards to two eminent personalities: one from Bangladesh and one from West Bengal every year since 1993.

The other recipients of this prestigious award are: Fakir Ashraf, Shamsur Rahman, Dr Ashraf Siddiqui, Borhan Ahmed, Sanaullah Nuri, Mohammed Ramzan Ali, Dr Mofakhkharul Islam from Bangladesh and Nishithranjan Ray, Mahashweta Devi from India.

Although the Sen family migrated from Bangladesh years ago, the descendent of the family Devkanya still claims herself as a daughter of Manikganj, where Acharya Dinesh was born.

In her welcoming speech she said, "Acharya Dinesh Chandra Sen is the pride of all the Bangalees. The person who dedicated his life to discover the lost folkloric heritage of Bangalees, shouldn't be deprived of his due status in our cultural arena. I request the Bangladesh Government to establish a memorial on Dinesh Chandra Sen and a library in the village of Bakjury at Manikganj."

"I thank the three eminent personalities who are getting the accolades today for their astounding achievements in the cultural arena. At the same time I am grateful to Devkanya Sen and her Society for bridging the cultural diversity among Bangladesh and West Bengal," said Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan.

The other speakers also described the legacy of Dinesh Chandra Sen and his contribution in discovering the roots of Bangla literature.

After the discussion, Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan handed over the awards to three recipients while Devkanya Sen honoured them with Uttariyo.

"I have already received so much honour and respect from all of you. I am very proud to accept this award," said the living legend in the genre of Nazrul songs, Feroza Begum. As she continued, " What I have achieved so far is due to our National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. In the near future I would like to promote more of Nazrul's vast creations."

In his speech Dr Wakil Ahmed said, "This award, named after the greatest scholar Acharya Dinesh Chandra Sen, is very special to me as I am also engaged in researching the folkloric heritage of Bangladesh."

Ahmed Musa in his speech said that he was overwhelmed at receiving this award. "My dedication and responsibility towards my sphere of work has been further enhanced," he said.