Recreating the world of Tagore

The celebration, organised by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs of Bangladesh, is being held at five different venues, including Dhaka, Shilaidaha, Shahzadpur, Patishar and Dakkhindihi.

Dr Ashraf Siddiqui briefly offered an analysis of Tagore's works regarding Bangladesh. The title of his paper was Rabindranath in Bangladesh. He said that Tagore introduced the practice of nationalistic literature in Bangla. His works also exposed the Baul identity of Tagore because he was a pastoral poet like William Wordsworth. Siddiqui also quoted Tagore on Lalon : 'Kushtia is the cultural capital of Bangladesh whereas Lalon is a century flower.' Begum Selina Rahman, State Minister for Cultural Affairs named Tagore as the renaissance man because he is an institution by himself.

A cultural programme was followed by a discussion session. Celebrated singer Papya Sarwar rendered the welcome song Barisho Dhara Majhe. Next came Fahim Hossain Chowdhury on stage with the much rendered but beautiful number Akash bhora shurjo tara. The final item was a dance drama Nohi Devi Nohi Shamanya Nari adapted from Tagore's widely popular piece Chitrangada. Produced by Shadhona, the dance drama was directed by Sharmila Bandya-padhyay and the music was directed by Bulbul Islam. Colourful costumes reminded the audience of the Shantiniketan concept of using varied colours in attires instead of glittering dress-ups or ornaments. The overall planning was done by Lubna Mariam.

The central character Chitrangada was played by Nayla Tarannum Chowdhury while Enamul Haque played Arjun. Bhaswar Bondyapaddhaya and Aditi Mohsin also performed at the function.

On the occasion, a brochure containing rare pictures of Rabindranath Tagore has been published. The publication is rich in content with informative writings of eminent Tagore researchers and practitioners.