Joy Bangla Concert: where music enlivens history

"This time the struggle is for our freedom. This time the struggle is for our independence." 

Exclaimed the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Anticipation rose in the hearts of those who stood on the Ramna Race Course ground, for their future independent nation. The 7th March speech is one of the greatest of all time. UNESCO, on October 30, 2017 recognised the speech as part of the world's documentary heritage.

The speech inspired Bangalees to be brave, motivated them into believing it was their fight -- to play their part in saving their beloved land from the brutal attack of the west Pakistanis. People knew their lives were on the line, nonetheles, they united and the war began.

Photo courtesy: CRI

Unfortunately, youngsters like me, have not had the opportunity of listening to this immortal speech and experiencing it right then and there. But this is where Young Bangla offered us a heartwarming surprise, with the Joy Bangla Concert. Every year, since 2015, they put together this programme to honour this day with great significance and cultural value. But due to the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, this year will not be like the others. Most probably the programme will be assembled online. Each time this event took place, people of all ages, gender, caste and creed were moved by this concert.

Photo courtesy: CRI

Last year, when presenting the speech of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, people were shocked and amazed to see him on the stage right before their eyes! As we all know, the greatest Bangalee was assassinated on August 15, 1975. It was his holographic image which created an illusion, making it seem like the Father of the Nation was standing before us. The purpose of using this technology was to build a connection with the youngsters like me in the audience. This was a huge success. Kudos to the organisers for coming up with such an out of the box initiative. It was truly an unimaginable experience. We got to know what went on behind the curtains from the two daughters of Bangabandhu, Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina and her sister Sheikh Rehana.

This speech boosted confidence, bravery, courage, and faith in us. It was one of the reasons why we have the chance to smile at our hard-earned victory today. It created a bond between one another and a strong line of trust and interdependence. Most of all it was the reason why Bangalees had the guts to step into the battlefield and fight against our enemies.

Surely now it is understandable why we value the significance of this day so momentously, and why it holds so much importance.

Coincidentally, my birthday is on this exact date. Another reason why my relationship with this piece of history is so strong and why I can relate to it on such an emotional level.

It's a connection to our past. Our history and heritage. It's unbelievable when you realise a speech encouraged an entire nation to move forward fearlessly, to have their own independent land and set an example to the world.

I cherish my country and its people. Even more so it's past. So in honour of this special occasion, I would like to present one of my previously written poems dedicating to the length of our success.

"Bangladesh,

A synonym of determination, hope and courage,

Whom they called a bottomless basket, now a lighthouse of achievements.

History of the sun rising from the ashes,

Whose flag painted red with the blood of a million martyrs.

Journey of fighters of 50 glorious years of independence,

Role model of change in 21st world,

Painter of its own destiny;

Where the queen guides the roadmap of success.

Connection of 41 spans of love, life, and wait,

A bridge between dreams to reality,

A Lab of learning for the entire world."

I know my country will go forth no matter what comes in the way, and I know that even if the pandemic stopped us from attending this year's programme, the next year will be different. It will be better than this one. So I hope I stay around long enough to watch that happen.

The writer is a fourth grader at Scholastica.