Cultural programme for children held at Durgapur Shilpakala Academy

The hall of the Durgapur Upazila Shilpakala Academy came alive with children’s laughter, music and dance on Saturday morning as young performers gathered to showcase their talents.

Some children arrived with songbooks in hand, while others rehearsed dance steps or waited excitedly for their turn on stage. Soon, the stage filled with lively performances, drawing applause from the audience and creating a festive atmosphere throughout the hall.

Bashundhara Shuvosangho Durgapur upazila unit organised the cultural programme to encourage children to engage in cultural activities. The event was held at the academy’s hall on Saturday, featuring songs, poems, rhymes, storytelling and dance performed by local children. A group dance was one of the main attractions of the programme.

The initiative came amid growing concerns over children’s increasing dependence on mobile phones, online games and social media. While technology has opened up new opportunities for children, excessive screen time can reduce their involvement in outdoor activities, social interaction and cultural practices.

Through the programme, the organisers sought to encourage children to explore their creativity and develop their talents beyond the classroom.

The young participants presented their skills through songs, poems, rhymes and storytelling. The atmosphere became particularly lively when the children performed a group dance. Their coordinated movements highlighted discipline, teamwork and mutual understanding, drawing repeated applause from the audience.

The event also featured spontaneous participation from the children throughout the programme. Some watched their friends’ performances attentively, while others waited eagerly for their turns on stage. Parents watched proudly as their children performed and many captured the moments on their phones.

Durgapur Press Club President Tobarak Hossain Khokon, Bashundhara Shuvosangho adviser SM Rafiqul Islam Rafiq, General Secretary Al Noman Shanto, Jubo Dal leader Khokon Sarker, journalist Al Amin Hawlader and local civil society representative Bhola Sarker, along with parents of the young performers, attended the programme.

Speaking at the event, Tobarak Hossain Khokon said cultural practices among children had declined in the age of smartphones and called for collective efforts to revive their interest in creative activities.

“Children cannot achieve holistic development through academic studies alone. Music, dance, poetry, recitation and sports help them become confident and compassionate individuals,” he said.

He praised Bashundhara Shuvosangho for organising such initiatives and said regular programmes could create more opportunities for children to develop their hidden talents.

Al Noman Shanto, general secretary of Bashundhara Shuvosangho, said encouraging children to engage in cultural activities was the main objective of the programme.

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“Cultural activities alongside education play an important role in children’s mental development and confidence. We want children to move beyond excessive dependence on mobile phones and become involved in sports, cultural practices and creative activities,” he said.

He added that children need a supportive environment and encouragement to develop their talents and said Bashundhara Shuvosangho would continue organising such programmes for children and adolescents.

The organisers said a child’s development should not be measured only by academic results or classroom learning. Cultural activities such as music, dance, poetry and storytelling help children express themselves, develop imagination and creativity, overcome stage fright and build confidence.