Udichi celebrates semicentennial

Established on October 29, 1968 by the great revolutionary-artist-cultural activists including Satyen Sen and Ronesh Dasgupta, Bangladesh Udichi Shilpigosthi takes pride to identify itself as the largest anti-communal, progressive and voluntary organization of Bangladesh. Its purpose is to serve as a voice for the voiceless and oppressed through cultural activities, like song, dance, poetry recitation, drama, film, fine arts and literary work. Winner of Ekushey Padak 2013, the organisation celebrated its 50 year anniversary held at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, with a two-day occasion which ended yesterday.

The celebration highlighted their first dance spectacle in Dhaka, which began with the national anthem, where prominent names in the field embraced the event. Bazlur Rahman Badal, the age defying dancer, came all the way from Rajshahi, to inaugurate the event. “I am totally overjoyed by the respect given to me by Udichi,” mentioned the 96 year old enthusiastic dancer. Various dance troupes from across the nation along with the dancers from Udichi, enthralled the audience with their rhythmic moves.

During his speech,journalist and cultural activist, Kamal Lohani mentioned that Udichi's journey faced many obstacles over the years, but the determination to fight for what is right has kept them strong. “People's identity is their culture, so we need to endorse it in the right manner to establish ourselves in the society. And Udichi continues to do that,” he added. Renowned dancer, choreographer and actor Laila Hasan mentioned, “As dancers, our art is not only to entertain, but also to give out a message through it. I am rather optimistic for Udichi's first dance arrangement in Dhaka and I wish it continues in the years to come.”

Other speakers from the first day included Dr Shafiuddin Ahmed and Mahua Mukherjee. Guests scheduled for the second day comprised of Amanul Haque, Minu Haque, Sharmila Bandyopadhyay, Tamanna Rahman and Jamshed Anwar Tapan.