Soaring to poetic heights

A colourful rally paraded the JU premises on the opening day of the festival

"Poets and poetry have an intense impact on the society. Personal freedom can be achieved through the freedom of poetry," said eminent poet and Associate Professor, Mohammad Rafique of JU's English Department in his speech as the chief guest.

Poet Belal Chowdhury presided over the concluding session, while Associate Professor Ahmed Reza conducted the session titled 'Poets and poetry of Bangladesh and overseas' held at the seminar room of proposed Zahir Raihan auditorium. Noted poets, including Samudra Gupta, Bulbul Mahalanobish, Aslam Sunny, Salem Soleri, Sayed Ahmed Ali, Tapon Bagchi, Ang Jang Ku (Korea), Sandarva Giri and Capt. Uddim Bahadur Rao (Nepal) as well as representatives from hill tracts of Bangladesh participated in the session among others with their poems.

Inaugurated by Vice Chancellor Khandaker Mustahidur Rahman, the festival began on April 2. A colourful rally was also brought out following the session.

Dhwani presented its production titled Nathhboty Anathbothh, the following day at Muktamancha (Amphitheatre), where enthusiasts joined in flocks. Coordinated and directed by Zakia Nur Mitu, the entire presentation of the session dealt with a topic from the widely known Mahabharata representing the discrimination against women in bygone days as well as contemporary times. A message was delivered through the monologue of Draupadi, a suppressed female character of the epic, to portray the attitude of discrimination of women. Mohammed Ahkam Ullah presented a solo performance the same day, braving inclement weather.

Due to incessant rain accompanied by hailstorm, the organisers were forced to shift the program from Muktamnacha to the proposed Zahir Raihan auditorium the following day where Swarokoplon staged their production titled Boundule. Robi Shankar Moitry and Golam Sarwar presented solo recitations the same day.

Dhwani staged their production titled Tebhagar Adhkhana Chand the next day. Then followed Baikunththa Abritti Academy's production titled Shantir Jonyo Byakulota, composed and directed by Saiduzzaman Rana. Composed and directed by Selina Parvin, the production of Dhwani recalls the bloodshed of Tebhaga, a movement by different indigenous communities and farmers to uphold their rights during the 40's that led to the victory over the then Zamindars. The set design and lighting were impressive while the performance of the artists was not at par. Juthhhika Bishwas and Mahidul Islam received plaudits for their solo presentation at the session.

With the slogan Shhaito Podey Dhwanito Hok Durbar Protirodh the festival also hosted receptions to eminent educationist Professor Niranjan Adhikari and poet Abul Hossain for their contribution in respective arenas.