Khulna: A three-day Rabindra Fair commenced today in Khulna, marking the 164th birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore at Daxindihi of Fultala upazila, where Mrinalini Devi, Tagore’s wife, was born. The inauguration was led by Divisional Commissioner Md. Firoz Sarker, who released balloons and festoons at the Rabindra Complex premises, with Deputy Commissioner Md. Saiful Islam presiding over the event.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Professor Dr. Md. Dulal Hossain from the Bengali Department of Khulna University delivered the keynote paper. The inaugural program was graced by special guests including Prof. Sheikh Md. Humayun Kabir, Principal of Govt. Brajalal College, and DIG of Khulna Range, Rezaul Haque. Fultala UNO Tasnashi Jahan welcomed the attendees with an opening speech. The event opened with the national anthem, “Amar Shonar Bangla, Ami Tomay Bhalobashi,” which was written by the poet himself.
The three-day celebration is set to conclude on Saturday night. During the event, speakers highlighted Rabindranath Tagore’s influence beyond literature, encompassing economics, society, and governance. They noted his pioneering role in rural development, cooperatives, and social service, with agricultural development ideas he envisioned over a century ago now being implemented.
Simultaneously, a vibrant three-day program is also taking place at Rabindranath’s ancestral home in Pithavog village of Ghatvog Union in Rupsha upazila. Additional Divisional Commissioner (General) Md Hossain Shawkat served as the chief guest, with Rupsha UNO Akash Kumar Kundu chairing the event. Professor Dr. Md. Anis-Ar-Reza, Director of the Secondary and Higher Education Directorate for Khulna Region, presented the keynote paper, where speakers lauded Rabindranath Tagore as a luminary of Bengali literature.