By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The Ministry of Culture, Government of India in collaboration with Directorate of Arts and Culture, Government of Meghalaya organized a cultural evening of Music, Poetry and Dance by artistes from the People’s Republic of Bangladesh on Tuesday at the State Central Library Auditorium. The function was a part of the Indo-Bangla joint celebrations to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore.
Deputy Chief Minister, In-charge, Arts and Culture BM Lanong said that he finds inspiration in the literary works of Tagore. While reading few verses from the Gitanjali he said, “Tagore was a real lover of nature as in his literary works one can find sea, flowers, nature, birds etc. and was also close to god. After reading Gitanjali, I got inspiration and continue to get influenced by his literary works.”
Mawprem MLA Manas Chaudhuri spoke about the glimpses of Tagore culture he got to see in Bangladesh. “We formed a committee last year when it was decided to send artistes from the region to Bangladesh but that had not materialized then. But thanks to the Arts and Culture Department, Meghalaya and Ministry of Culture for having these artistes from Bangladesh here today,” he said.
The cultural group from Bangladesh presented various songs, dances and recitation of the Nobel Laureate in the evening. A Manipuri dance was presented by Sharmila Banerjee and Sudeshna. ATM Jahangir, a Rabindra Sangeet specialist presented “Tumi Robey Nirobey” and “Krishnakali Ami Torey Boley”. Sudeshna and Falguni Sen presented a dance sequence on Tagore’s monsoon season, which was the favorite season of the poet. Similar dance sequences Sarad Ritu (autumn) by Sharmila Banerjee, Afsana Islam and Falguni Sen and Basanta Ritu (spring) by Sudeshna and Tathoy were also presented much to the delight of all.A recitation was presented by Bhaskar Banerjee besides Rabindra Sangeet by Shomarani Roy followed by a Sangeet Nritya by Sharmila Banerjee followed by a final dance by three members from the visiting troupe. Others who spoke include KK Banerjee, Director, Raja Ram Mohun Roy Library Foundation, Kolkata. Audiences were dismayed as they said that the organizers should have publicized the event before hand.