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Endless possibilities

Chhayanat opens its resource centre

Karim Waheed
Bom in 1961, Chhayanat's journey to becoming an institution, a cultural icon, had been laden with thorns. The organisation often faced reluctance, and even hostility, from certain governments. "But the trying times were made worthwhile by unlimited support from the masses. It is the public for whom Chhayanat continues its efforts," said Dr.,. Sanjida Khatun, president of Chhayanat, at the inaugural of the "Sangskriti Sambhar" (resource centre) on May 17.
The resource centre, on the top floor of Chhayanat Sangskriti Bhaban, has been financed by the Royal Norwegian Embassy. With a huge skylight on the roof, the floor houses a cutting edge recording studio, a library (named after poet Shamsur Rahman) which includes a modest but adequate computer section, an audio-visual archive and a lecture room with all necessary multimedia services. The resource centre has everything one can possibly need in this digital age.
"For now, this resource centre is open to Chhayanat staff and students only but we intend to accommodate the public in near future," said Khairul Anam Shakil, general secretary of Chhayanat "Right now, the library has around 2000/ 2,500
books and other publications that can be used as references for comparative studies in culture. We have plans to extend our collection and services," he added.
"Globalisation is bringing the world closer than ever and cultural exchange has become a familiar concept. If Bangladesh has to emerge with dignity on the global stage, we have to fortify our identity by preserving and upholding our cultural heritage," Shakil said.
Ingebjorg Stofring, the Norwegian Ambassador to Bangladesh, attended the programme as chief guest. Incidentally, it was also the
Norwegian Constitution Day (National Day). At the inaugural, Stofring stressed the need for cultural exchange and said, "I'm delighted to be here today. I see similarities between our National Day and 'Pahela Baishakh.' Both Norwegians and Bangladeshis celebrate the occasions that mark national identity with family and friends. We strongly believe that culture is extremely significant in national development."
Dr. Sanjida Khatun went over the initial difficulties Chhayanat faced when trying to source funds for the resource centre. "We had never
beseeched foreign donors but when the Chhayanat Sangskriti Bhaban was opened in 2006, the then Norwegian Ambassador was keen on doing something for our institution. Initially we were asked to register as an NGO to be able to get the grant. After much consideration, we declined. The Norwegian Embassy then asked us to get permission from Bangladesh Bank to access the funds. Then started an uphill battle. We have to thank the immediate past caretaker government for helping Chhayanat. It was Syed Fahim Munaim (managing editor of The Daily Star), the then chief adviser's
press secretary, who looked into the matter and resolved the issue. From then on everything went smoothly."
As the guests were given a tour of the new resource centre, artistes of Chhayanat sang the Rabindra Sangeet, "Shubho karmo-pathey dharo nirbhoy gaan."
Among the dignitaries were Zillur Rahman Siddiqui (special guest); human rights activist Sultana Kamal; cultural personality Aly Zaker; singeri Mita Haqtie-, I flat 'Afa Dewan, Shaheen Samad and Sadya Afreen Mallick and litterateur Abul Hasnat.
A special treat for the guests: a cultural programme by Chhayanat teachers and students. The performances were brilliance on a subtle scale -- a 'tabla lahara' by Iftekhar Alam and Swarup Hossain, a solo 'Bharatnatyam' piece, a 'Manipuri' group recital, a choral rendition of a Jyotirindranath composition "Antar-taro antar-tamo tini," renditions of a Nazrul Sangeet "Bolo bhai mabhoi mabhoi" and a Pagla Kanai song "Ki mojar ghar bendhechhe."
As the event came to an end, it was evident that Chhayanat is devoted to moving ahead with the times and self-improvement with retaining our traditions — becoming a source of inspiration, in the process, for us to want to be better Bengalis.