Lalmonirhat:Children in the remote villages of northern Bangladesh are engaging in traditional folk music and learning to play musical instruments through the efforts of 'Mayer Tori', a cultural and humanitarian organization. This initiative aims to preserve the region's rich cultural heritage while fostering humanistic and moral values in the younger generation.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Suraloy Gurugriha in Deodoba village, located in Aditmari upazila of Lalmonirhat, is one of the centers where approximately 70 to 80 children receive training in folk music and traditional instruments such as the banshi (flute), ektara, and dotara. More than 600 children are currently participating in similar activities at nine learning centers across the districts of Lalmonirhat and Kurigram.
Yusuf Alamgir, a key organizer of 'Mayer Tori', explained that the initiative helps children develop self-awareness and a deeper understanding of life through folk music. This program enables them to reconnect with their roots, cultivating humanistic values in the process.
The training programs are instrumental in helping children and adolescents rediscover folk songs, melodies, and instruments, ensuring these traditions are passed on to a new generation. Despite challenges such as limited financial resources and inadequate infrastructure, 'Mayer Tori' continues to run cultural programs at its learning centers, largely supported by voluntary instructors from the villages.
The organization, founded in 2016 by Norwegian poet, folk researcher, and photographer Vera Saether, is also exploring plans to establish a permanent venue for folk culture practitioners and a dedicated center for research. Additionally, a modern studio is needed to record and preserve performances by folk artists and children, contributing to a digital archive of the region's cultural traditions.
Local cultural and government officials recognize the importance of these training programs in preserving folk culture. Expanding the initiative would require additional support, such as training facilities and cultural infrastructure. There is also potential for integrating the initiative with government cultural programs to further its impact.