IT was 'Baishey Srabon’ — Rabindranath Tagore’s Death Anniversary. This day is remembered as the day when the world lost a man who has contributed immensely in the fields of literature and music. This day is commemorated in many ways, but on Friday Tagore-lovers witnessed how a spiritual dialogue had been initiated between Tagore song and contemporary paintings. Tagore scholar Anisur Rahman played the role of a catalyst in this rare and memorable union of two generes of creative pur suit.

Published by Pathak Shamabesh’. 'Songs of Tagore', by Anisur Rahman is an English translation of a number of celebrated songs by Tagore where his philosophy of life is immersed in music. With these songs in mind, artists like Mohammad Kibria, Rafiqun Nabi. Ranjit Das. Abu Taher. Biren Shome. Shwapan Chowdhury. Mohammad Iqbal and Shameem Subrana created art pieces of their own.

The programme began at around 6 o'clock in the evening with Shameem Subrana's brief welcome speech. Professor khan Sarwar Murshid after inaugurating the exhibition and the release of the book spoke about Professor Anisur Rah-

man and how much he is into Tagore's songs and poems and how he became a singer, teacher as well as an economist with equal ease and brilliance.

Kalim Sharafi. who chaired the programme, said, "I believe Anis has contributed a lot. Now there's only one thing I can do. and that is. sing. I will sing one line." "Tumi kamon kore gan koro hey guni, ami obak". he sang, much to the pleasure of the audience. Then. Professor Khan Sarwar Murshid lit a

pradip (torch) and formally inaugurated the function.

As the myriad people went into the gallery to view the paintings inspired by Tagore songs, their enjoyment became quite apparent. There were many people forming groups and quizzing each to discover the original songs of the translation. Some were seen singing the songs while others hummed their way out. The crowds consisted of three distinct types of

people - Artists, Economists and those related with Rabindra Sangeet. It was good to see different kinds of people merge and enjoy the same thing. The presence of people like Sanjida Khatun, Rezwana Chowdhury Bonnya. Mita Huq who are often absent in art exhibitions made this occasion different from any other exhibition.

Over all. It can be said that this is a highly successful exhibition.