‘Engaging with Rabindranath’s work essential to keep Bengali spirit alive’

The national celebration of the 165th birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore has once again highlighted an enduring truth of Bengali identity – engaging with Rabindranath’s work is a must for keeping Bengali culture thriving.

Speakers at the inaugural event of the celebration on Friday, the 25th of Baishakh, at the historic Kuthibari in Kushtia’s Shilaidaha area observed that stifling such practices would lead to a stagnation of Bengali emotion and consciousness.

The Kuthibari is renowned as the family residence of the poet.

A three-day programme has been arranged there to mark the 165th birth anniversary. The event was inaugurated by Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury.

Hesaid that Shilaidaha is not simply a place; it is a living memory of Bengali literature and culture.

“It was here that the Poet Laureate composed countless poems, songs, stories, and letters. The waves of the Padma, the natural beauty of Bengal, the lives of farmers and the joys and sorrows of ordinary people gave his creations a unique human depth,” the minister said.

Therefore, celebrating Rabindra Jayanti in Shilaidaha is not just a formal observance; it is a cultural journey back to the soul of the Bengali people, he added.

The programme has been organised by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs with the help of the Kushtia district administration.

The three-day celebration includes discussion sessions, cultural performances, Rabindra Sangeet renditions, dance dramas, recitations, art exhibitions and various presentations of folk culture. Alongside renowned Rabindra Sangeet artists, reciters, researchers and cultural personalities from across the country, local artists and nearly a hundred cultural organisations are also participating.

The Kuthibari and surrounding areas have already been adorned with colourful decorations. A festive atmosphere now prevails across Kushtia, while Rabindra enthusiasts, cultural activists and visitors from different parts of the country have gathered at the historic site. Temporary stages, seating arrangements, and security barricades have been constructed for visitors.

Alongside law enforcement agencies, various government departments are working in coordination to ensure the smooth execution of the programme.

Among those present as special guests were Member of Parliament for Kushtia-1 Reza Ahmed, Member of Parliament for Kushtia-4 Afzal Hossain, Administrator of Kushtia Zilla Parishad Sohrab Uddin and Kushtia Superintendent of Police Mohammad Jasim Uddin.

The commemorative speaker on the opening day was Professor Dr Wakil Ahmed. The session was chaired by Kaniz Mowla, secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs. Welcome remarks were delivered by Kushtia Deputy Commissioner Touhid Bin Hasan.