In a heartfelt tribute to one of Bangladesh's most revered Rabindra Sangeet singers, Papia Sarwar, the 43rd annual session of the Jatiyo Rabindra Sangeet Sammilan Parishad will honour her with the prestigious Rabindra Padak posthumously. 

The event set to be held at the Chhayanaut Shangskriti-Bhavan auditorium in the capital's Dhanmondi area from January 23 to 25, will feature performances and discussions aimed at celebrating the lasting impact of Rabindranath Tagore's works on Bengali culture.

Papia Sarwar, a renowned figure in Bengali music celebrated for her soulful interpretations of Rabindra Sangeet, passed away on December 12 last year at the age of 72 after a prolonged battle with cancer. Over the years, her performances captured the hearts of audiences both in Bangladesh and abroad, earning her a place among the most distinguished interpreters of Tagore's music.

This year's Rabindra Sangeet Sammilan session will be inaugurated by noted singer Fahmida Khatun, with over 500 artistes, cultural activists, and organisers expected to attend. The event will include performances of musical dramas, recitations, and songs under the theme "Gunijoner Subochon Robirashmi". 

On the second day, a seminar titled "Rabindranath in Bangladesh and Rabindranath's Bangladesh" will explore Tagore's influence on the country's cultural landscape, with notable speakers like Professor Fakrul Alam and Alam Khorshed leading discussions.

The three-day festival will culminate on January 25 with a cultural program at SOS Shishu Polli in Shyamoli and the release of a compilation of essays, Sangit Sanskriti, delving into Tagore's rich legacy in Bengali music and culture.

Papia Sarwar's posthumous Rabindra Padak honours her remarkable contributions to Bengali music. Her unique voice and masterful interpretations of Rabindra Sangeet and modern Bangla songs have cemented her enduring legacy.

Alongside her artistic achievements, she served as the general secretary of the Jatiyo Rabindra Sangeet Sammilan Parishad and later as a member of its executive committee, further solidifying her influence in the preservation and promotion of Tagore's works.

The Parishad, founded in 1979 in memory of artist Jahidur Rahim, continues to uphold the values of cultural expression through Rabindra Sangeet. This year's session, with its fitting tribute to Papia Sarwar, will reflect on both the singer's legacy and the timeless significance of Rabindra Sangeet in Bangladesh.

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