Chhayanaut enlivens Ekushey with music, poetry, and patriotic tribute

Its President Sarwar Ali says the martyrs of 1952 authored the birth story of Bangladesh

Chhayanaut has observed International Mother Language Day with an ornate morning of song, verse and reflection in Dhaka, blending remembrance with a quiet assertion of cultural pride.

The programme was held at 10:30am on Saturday at the Chhayanaut Cultural Centre auditorium in Dhanmondi.

Speaking on behalf of the organisation, its President Sarwar Ali said the seeds of a “secular” state were sown through the Language Movement, and it was along that path that 1971 arrived.

He said the people of this country remain indebted to the martyrs of 1952, whose sacrifice enabled Bengalis to claim their identity with pride.

Sarwar added that the martyrs of the Language Movement authored the birth story of the independent state called Bangladesh, and that Chhayanaut marks Ekushey by paying profound respect to their memory.

Reflecting on identity, Sarwar said a nation is defined by its language, while its way of life finds expression through culture -- a discipline to which Chhayanaut remains devoted.

A language that is not preserved in print risks extinction, he said, adding that Bengalis are fortunate to think and create in a language whose rich heritage has ennobled it.

On nationalism, he observed that language rises above religious identity, drawing people of all faiths together.

He also highlighted the historical role of Chhayanaut, noting that many participants of the 1952 Language Movement went on to establish the organisation in the 1960s.

“If Ekushey is ignored, the events of 1971 are obscured. And if 1971 is forgotten, Bengali national identity cannot survive. That is why the 21st of February holds supreme significance in Bengali life,” Sarwar said.

The event opened with a chorus performance of Nazim Mahmud’s “Amader Chetanar Soikote”.

The hall then filled, one performance after another, with music and recitation steeped in memory.

Susmita Debnath Shuchi performed Atulprasad Sen’s “Moder Gorob Moder Asha”, while Iffat Binte Nazir sang Rabindranath Tagore’s “Nishidin Bhorsha Rakhis”.

Dhruba Sarkar rendered Fazal-e-Khuda’s “Salam Salam Hajar Salam”, and Priyantu Deb performed Abu Hena Mostafa Kamal’s “Opomane Tumi Jwole Utthechile”.

Aishwarya Samaddar presented Abdul Latif’s “O Amar Ei Bangla Bhasha”.

Further performances featured Mohit Khan singing SM Hedayet’s “Mago Dhonyo Holo”, Nusrat Jahan Runa with Nazrul Islam Babu’s “Amay Gnethe Dao Na Mago”, and Arnab Barua singing Abdul Latif’s “Mago At-i Phalguner Kotha”.

Farzana Afrin Eva performed “Amar Desher Moton Emon”, while Suman Majumder sang Mostafizur Rahman’s “Bhebo Nago Ma Tomar Chhelera”.

Recitation artists Dalia Ahmed and Dewan Saidul Hassan performed Srijan Sen’s “Matribhumir Jonyo” and Asim Saha’s “Ekushe February”.

The ceremony drew to a close with a collective performance of Abdul Gaffar Chowdhury’s timeless anthem “Amar Bhaier Rokte Rangano Ekushe February”, concluding with the national anthem, “Amar Sonar Bangla”.