Nat’l Rabindra Sangeet Sammilan kicks off today

Entertainment Desk :
The largest event of the country on Rabindra Sangeet, the National Rabindra Sangeet Sammilan will commence today (March 8) with an inaugural assembly expressing solidarity against the
barbaric genocide in Gaza by Israel and celebrating the victory of humanity. There will be further diverse arrangements, said a press release.
Renowned theatre personality Ramendu Majumdar will inaugurate this three-day conference at the National Theatre Hall of the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA). Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan will attend the event as the chief guest. Eminent artist and puppeteer Mustafa Monwar will be honoured with the Rabindra Padak this year.
The conference will commence with the rendition of ‘Nishidin Bhorosha Rakhish Ore Mon Hobei Hobe’ as the welcome song paying tribute to Rabindranath Tagore.
The programme will begin at 10:00am on Friday.
A press conference of the National Rabindra Sangeet Sammilan Committee was held at the Chhayanaut Sangskritik Kendra on Wednesday.
The General Editor of the committee and distinguished dancer Sharmila Bandyopadhyay mentioned that the 42nd assembly of the National Rabindra Sangeet Sammilan Committee is being organised.
This assembly will witness the participation of over 800 artistes, organisers and cultural activists from all over the country, representing 82 branches of the conference committee, including Dhaka.
After Rabindra Sangeet exponent Zahidur Rahim’s demise in 1979, the ‘Zahidur Rahim Smriti Parishad’ (memorial committee) was established to promote Rabindra Sangeet discussions nationwide.
Subsequently, incorporating the name of Rabindranath Tagore, the organisation was renamed the ‘Jatiyo Rabindra Sangeet Sammilan Parishad’. The organisation aimed to accelerate the thorough development of Bengali national culture by eliminating all barriers. Despite the change in the organisation’s name, competitions are arranged in memory of artiste Zahidur Rahim under the banner of ‘Zahidur Rahim Smriti Puroshkar’ to uphold his legacy.
Initially, the National Rabindra Sangeet Sammilan assemblies used to be held only in Dhaka.
To expand their activities throughout the country, since 1984, the conference has taken place in Dhaka in one year while in the next year; it took place in a different district. Additionally, music competitions for both youth and general categories have been included in the assemblies held in Dhaka.
At the press conference, Emeritus Professor Atiur Rahman, Executive Chairman of the National Rabindra Sangeet Sammilan Committee, stated that the organisation’s activities are guided by the advice of the Chairman and eminent musicologist Dr Sanjida Khatun. They are striving to uphold the legacy of Rabindranath Tagore’s multifaceted work and philosophical ideals, which played a significant role in Bangladesh’s journey towards liberation.
The conference committee has now transformed into the largest national event in the country regarding Rabindra Sangeet hosting events both in Dhaka and outside the capital every year.
He mentioned that these gatherings not only encompass discussions on music, recitation, or dance but also delve into various societal discrepancies and ways to alleviate suffering.
At the press conference, the three vice-chairpersons of the committee discussed the organisational aspects, training sessions, competitions, and event themes of this year’s assembly.