Unity in diversity

The programme was held on the heels of a discussion on the theme "Language and Culture form the backbone of a nation", which featured chief guest Ehsan Shamim, secretary Cultural Affairs along with special guests Marghub Morshed, former secretary, Shaheda Obaed, Education Board chairperson, Christopher Gunning, American Embassy representative and Zulfia Asaf, the managing editor of The Bangladesh Today. The discussion was chaired by Masud A Khan, president and CEO of the Dhaka Language Club.

Morshed spoke eloquently on the need for learning diverse languages. As he said, "Today old frontiers are disappearing and people are now exposed to external cultural influences...Through learning languages, it is possible to demystify foreign cultures.

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The most enthusiastic response was reserved for the lengthy cultural programme, titled International Cultural Programme 2005. To the cheers of the audience, performers from diverse countries sang in foreign languages, danced and gave recitations. Among those who received a thunderous applause were Nursia Santawi from Indonesia who rendered what she called the Gado Gado song--a mix of three songs. Also popular was a group of French singers who gave an encore on request from the audience and Bangladeshi singers Sultana Chowdhury and Bulbul Mahalanabish.

Other singers and dance artistes included Iman, Sophie Clavelier Khan, Errannel Anis, Mathilde Gasperi, Aline Bertelli and Joe Dassin.

More such cultural meets that bring together performers from different corners of the globe are definitely in order. Not only will such programmes build bridges between nations, they will help to remove misconceptions that may exist about other cultures.