A cultural workshop for indigenous children held at Mymensingh

A five-day cultural workshop for indigenous children, held at Indigenous Cultural Academy auditorium in Haluaghat, Mymensingh, concluded recently.

It is the first of its kind, organised by Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy under the management of Mymensingh Zila Shilpakala Academy. The workshop included musical and classical dance both in Bengali and Garo language and rhythmic instruments, dama and tabla. 

Around 200 children from indigenous community in Haluaghat took part in the workshop.

On the concluding day, the participants took part in their stage performance at the academy premises. The trainers were-Tilottoma Kubi Benu, Md Hatem Ali, Baduli Dalboth and Shimul Rangsa.

Md Rezaul Karim, upazila nirbahi officer of Haluaghat attended the programme as chief guest. President of Tribal Welfare Association in Haluaghat Bhadra Mrong, secretary of the organisation, Jemes Jornesh Chiran and school teacher Josef Sangma were present, among others. 

Mymensingh District Cultural Officer Arzu Parves delivered the welcome speech while Sarwar Jahan hosted the event.

The speakers highlighted on that the traditional indigenous culture is disappearing as the younger people of this community do not pay attention to it. There are around eight indigenous groups in Haluaghat and only the Garo community is active while the rest others are at extinction.

The spontaneous performance of the children at the workshop raised hope amongst the trainers. According to the speakers at the event, this kind of workshops will help to revive indigenous culture.