Yearlong programmes marking Abdul Karim's birth centenary

Marking the birth centenary of Baul Shah Abdul Karim, a yearlong celebration began across the country on February 16. The inauguration ceremony of the programme took place at Nandan Mancha of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) on Karim's birth anniversary, the first Tuesday of Bangla month Falgun.

Cultural Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman Noor inaugurated the ceremony as chief guest, while Cultural Affairs Secretary Akhtari Momtaz was special guest. Among others, BSA director general Liaquat Ali Lucky, Kolkata-based band Dohar's vocal Kalika Prasad, Sammilito Sangskritik Jote president and convenor of festival committee Golam Kuddus, cultural personality and member secretary of the festival committee Hasan Arif, and Abdul Karim researcher Mahfuzur Rahman were present at the ceremony. 

Asaduzzaman Noor observed that despite Abdul Karim had no formal education, his philosophy is world-class. And to understand his writings one has to delve deep into his creations and has to have great comprehensive power.

Kalika Prasad sought help from Bangladeshi cultural organisations to celebrate Karim's birth centenary in Kolkata. He also recalled his first meeting with Abdul Karim.

The cultural performances began with two group dance in sync with “Ashi Bole Gelo Bondhu” and “Shokhi Kunjo Sajao Go”. Popular artistes Subir Nandi, Chandana Majumdar, Kanon Bala Sarkar, Fakir Shahabuddin, Shahnaz Belli and Shotabdi Roy rendered solo and duet songs. Dohar then swayed the audience with their mellifluous renditions of Karim's popular numbers including “Boshonto Batashe”, “Gari Cholena”, “Jhilmil Jhilmil Kore Re”, “Ami Kulhara Kolonkini”, and “Ami Bangla Maa-er Chhele”.

The programme has been arranged by Abdul Karim Birth Centenary Celebration Committee in association with Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, and the Ministry of Cultural Affairs.