Marking the 75th death anniversary of Kabiguru Rabindranath Tagore, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) arranged a programme, featuring discussion, recitation, song renditions, dance recital and a dance-drama "Bhanushingher Padabali", on August 6 at its National Theatre Hall auditorium.

Cultural Affairs Secretary Akhtari Momtaz attended the event as chief guest while Dr. Akhtar Kamal and Dr. Binayak Sen discussed the life and works of Tagore. Liaquat Ali Lucky, director general of BSA presided over the programme.

Dr. Binayak Sen meticulously elaborated on the different aspects of Tagore creations, especially in his letters written to several litterateurs, his friends and family members.

"We discover Tagore's viewpoints on political, social, economic, agricultural and theological concerns and philosophies in his letters. The bard was absolutely a free thinker and was never stuck to certain ideas. Tagore's love for entire humanity was his unique religion," said Dr. Binayak Sen.

A cultural programme followed where artistes of

Bangladesh Academy of Fine Arts, attired in colourful costumes, swayed the audience with their dance set on a musical titled "Shorowritu". The artistes' performance, choreographed by Farhana Chowdhury Baby, was based on a medley of melodies ushering in the change of seasons, including "Darun Agni Daan-e", "Mon Mor Megher Shongi", "Aj Dhaner Khet-e",

"Hemonte Kon Boshonter Bani”, "Sheiter Hawar Laglo Nachon" and "Aji Dokhino Duar Khola".

Artistes of Shurer Dhara and Jagannath University rendered two choral songs each while noted artistes Rezwana Chowdhury Bannya, Fahim Hossain Chowdhury and Sajed Akbar rendered solo songs. Group recitation by several young artistes of Kalparekha followed.

The cultural section ended with a riveting presentation of a dance drama titled, "Bhanushingher Padabali" by the artistes of Bhabna. Samina Hossain Prema choreographed and directed the production. The dancers, led by Prema, beautifully danced to several songs and poems including "Gahana Kusuma Kunja Majhe", "Sajani Sajani Radhika”, "Sawana Gagane", "Suna lo Suna lo Balika" and more.