Dhaka: Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy has announced a series of events to celebrate the 165th birth anniversary of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, highlighting his diverse artistic contributions. A four-day event, ‘Shanti O Manobotar Kobi Rabindranath’, is scheduled from May 8 to 11 at the Jatiyo Natyashala auditorium.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the celebrations will feature discussions, cultural performances of Tagore’s works, an art exhibition titled ‘Rabi’s Chitra, Chitre Rabi’, and a staging of the play ‘Achalayatan’ by theatre troupe Prachyanat. Additionally, similar events will be held at district Shilpakala Academies nationwide.
Prominent figures such as Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon and State Minister for Social Welfare Farzana Sharmin are set to attend the inaugural ceremony on May 8. The event will be overseen by Director General of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, SK Rezauddin Ahmed, with Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Prof ABM Obaidul Islam as the chief discussant. Mohammad Zakir Hossain, Secretary of the Academy, will deliver the welcome speech.
The programme will include cultural segments featuring songs, dance, and recitations based on Tagore’s literary works. On May 9, Chief Whip of the Jatiya Sangsad Md Nurul Islam will be the chief guest, while State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali Newaz Mahmood Khyom will serve as special guest, with Cultural Affairs Secretary Kaniz Mawla presiding over the session.
Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury will attend as chief guest on May 10, joined by State Minister Ali Newaz Mahmood Khyom and Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Adviser Dr Zahed Ur Rahman as special guests. The day’s events will include performances celebrating Tagore’s artistic legacy.
A special art exhibition, ‘Rabi’s Chitra, Chitre Rabi’, will be inaugurated earlier on May 10 at Gallery-2 of the National Art Gallery under the Fine Arts Department, running until May 23 from 11 am to 8 pm daily.
The event will conclude on May 11 with a ceremony at the Jatiyo Natyashala auditorium. Prime Minister’s Political and Industries Affairs Adviser Ruhul Kabir Rizvi Ahmed will attend as chief guest, with Cultural Affairs Secretary Kaniz Mawla presiding, and the Director General of Shilpakala Academy delivering the welcome address. The closing will feature a performance of ‘Achalayatan’ directed by Azad Abul Kalam.
Additionally, district Shilpakala Academies will host discussions and cultural programmes to honor Tagore’s legacy. All events are open to the public.