US Embassy and Pally Baul Samaj Unnayan Sangstha--a joint initiative

On October 28 the organisation arranged an Iftar party for the folk artistes at the Engineers' Institution. Noted folklore specialists Dr Ashraf Siddique and Dr Reazul Haq were present on the occasion.

Folk and Baul songs reflect our traditional values, heritage and spiritual dimension, invite people irrespective of castes and religion and colour. These are the songs that provide the concept and vision of an indiscriminate society and a non-violent approach towards mankind. The Sufi-mystics--both male and female--travel from place to place in gerua attire, carrying musical instruments like ektara, dotara, khanjani and dhol and a bag called anchala: they are the traditional bauls and boyatis. They are the ancient community with melodious voice and gifted mind. But the existence of these artistes is now at stake because of poor institutional support unemployment and financial security.

'The younger generation of the country are drifting away from our own cultural tradition and have very little idea about our folklore heritage and the travails of the artistes related to this field', said Ferdousi Najma, the president of Pally Baul Samaj Unnayan Sangstha. 'For reviving the folklore tradition we need massive campaign, support and patronage from the countrymen', she continued.

The PBS has already started working on conservation of the folklore lyricists, musicians, singers and their works in pure form. The organisation is collecting information and manuscripts of folksongs and endeavouring to develop the value of the artistes by providing them financial assistance.