The stage was decorated with peacocks and butterflies, and amidst these colourful presences were the talented students of Kanon, a specialised institution of the Autism Welfare Foundation (AWF), with their vibrant mediums of artistic expression. 

The grand cultural affair was held to celebrate 20 glorious years of the Autism Welfare Foundation at its premises in Shyamlapur, Keraniganj. The event was graced by several distinguished guests, including Mohammad Nazrul Islam, director and CEO of Runner Automobiles Plc; Ekushey Padak recipients Shibli Mohammad and Shamim Ara Nipa, dancers and co-directors of Nrityanchal Dance Company; and Dr Tasleem Shakur, architect and editor-in-chief of Global Built Environment Review (GBER) and South Asian Cultural Studies (SACS), among others.

Unlike usual events where an array of guest speeches precede the cultural segment, AWF's celebration set forth a different tone. A flurry of kids in angelic white graced the stage for the first performance of the day, immediately after the welcome speech. With lamps in their hands, they swayed to "Anandadhara Bohichhe Bhubane". In the middle of each speech by the guests, there were delightful performances by children on the autism spectrum. In addition, a magazine for the 20-year celebrations of Kanon was unveiled.

The programme was presided over by the chairperson of AWF, Prof Dr Sharmeen Yasmeen. Also in attendance were the Autism Welfare Foundation founder, chairperson and chief adviser, as well as the principal of Kanon, Dr Rownak Hafiz; Vice Chairperson Anika Tabassum; vice principal of Kanon, Mariyam Monwar; and Treasurer, Prof Sabrina Ishrat, among other honourable guests. The late architect Masum Kabir, who designed AWF's permanent campus, was fondly remembered in spirit.

In her welcoming speech, Chairperson Dr Sharmeen Yasmeen recounted the story of AWF, which was established on April 4, 2004, at a time when awareness about autism was scarce. Many parents of autistic children, including herself, were fumbling in the dark. Over the last two decades, AWF has navigated through these challenges, spreading awareness and blossoming into what it is today. With 150 students and one teacher dedicated to every two students, AWF specialises in educating and training individuals on the autism spectrum to become self-sufficient.

The heart of the cultural function was the students of Kanon expressing their talents in a variety of performances starting from solo and duet singing performances, and group dances. Every performance was met with heartfelt applause and warm appreciation from a captivated audience. 

In a notable performance celebrating Bangladesh's musical heritage, young boys, dressed in traditional dhotis, moved rhythmically to the beat of their dhols. Just as the final notes faded, Dr Tasleem Shakur stepped onto the stage, joining the children in an impromptu dance. Another interesting segment of the ceremony was the dance drama featuring a village wedding. A lovely bride in her palki, little Afra, was carried by her faithful palanquin bearers or "kahars". 

The shy groom walked with a handkerchief pressed to his lips. The villagers, comprising people of all walks and ages, marched in a happy procession while the lovely dancer, Mahirah, flaunted her moves in the centre stage. Adept singers Rakin, Raiyan, Raheeza, and others filled the auditorium with their melodious performances. 

A highlight of the event was the unending effort of each teacher accompanying the students. The teachers sang along with the students, ensured they did not miss a move, and calmed and motivated them every step of the way. 

Dancer Shamim Ara Nipa said, "Looking at the tireless work and patience of the guardians and teachers, I feel guilty about not doing more each day." Along the same lines, Shibli Mohammad said, "I salute the teachers who are gifted with such temperament and mentality to help these beautiful students. I pledge to support AWF in any way I can, whenever needed."

As the event drew to a close, the hall echoed with applause and admiration in celebration of the cumulative effort by the students, teachers, guardians, and members of the Autism Welfare Foundation. 

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