Udichi commemorates 33rd Independence Day with a cultural soiree

Amateur artistes performing at the Udichi show

The renowned cultural activist Satyen Sen founded Udichi, on October 29, 1968. In the wake of the mass upsurge against autocracy, this organisation's philosophy is to use music to create political awareness among the masses. The activities of Udichi, through music, drama, dance, fine arts and literature, have spread throughout the country; turning it into a powerful left-leaning cultural organisation.

With the catchphrase-- Shei Nirlojjo Je Bhule Jai Ekattur (Only the shameless can forget '71)Udichi began the first day's programme with the national anthem and a popular patriotic song Purba Digonte Shurja Uthechhe. After the inauguration, the discussion was presided over by Professor Jatin Sarkar, president of Udichi. Renowned journalist Kamal Lohani, Mahmud Selim, Golam Kuddus, Mannan Heera, Probir Sardar and Manjarul Islam were the other speakers. All the speakers called upon the patriotic forces to unite against the fundamentalists and those who committed war crimes.

After the discussion, a dazzling cultural programme followed. Solo songs by Biman Biswas, Runa Jahan, Biswajeet Rai and others, and the solo recitation by Rafiqul Islam, Kabir Ahmed and others touched the audience's hearts. Shwaroka-lpan Abritti Chakra put up a group recitation while Rangopur, a theatre group from Rangpur, staged Aabol Taabol, a satirical drama.

On the second day, the closing ceremony began with the discussions where prominent cultural personalities and activists Ramendu Majumdar, Nasiruddin Yousuff, Mahmud Selim and Mahbubul Haider spoke, while Golam Mohammed Idu presided over the programme. Once again the speakers discussed the need for unity and the proper preservation of the Liberation War history.

Later in the evening, more people poured in. The audience was enthralled by the group performances of the country's leading cultural organisations-- Chhayanaut, Udichi and Kranti. Bartho Praner Aborjona and Mora Jhonjhar Moto Uddam were the outstanding performances of the evening by the amateur artistes of Chhayanaut. Well- known recitation groups Katha and Kajona enthralled the audience with their composition and recital, selecting poems depicting the history of the Liberation War from the poems of Shamsur Rahman, Mahadev Saha, Nirmalendu Goon and so on. Udichi staged their drama Tantal, while Shayannika charmed the audience with the performance of Tumi Ki Kieboli Chobi. Both the plays portrayed key social issues.