Eminent personalities yesterday celebrated prominent Tagore exponent and researcher Dr Sanjida Khatun's 85th birth anniversary at a programme in the capital's Bangla Academy.

They also expressed their deep appreciation and felicitation for her immense contribution to the country through her lifelong endeavour in upholding the spirit of liberal thinking.

Shedding light on the life and contributions of the musicologist, Prof Emeritus Anisuzzaman said Dr Sanjida has been vocal against repression through her music during the Liberation War while training a choir group.

Cultural Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman Noor said, “She did not merely practice music. She enlightened peoplewithit"

Luminaries like her, who are dedicated to uphold liberal ideals, are invaluable to any society, he also said.

Prof Emeritus Rafiqul Islam said her persevering spirit is a source of strength for the society to fight any communal ideology.

Dr Sanjida made enormous contribution through Chhayanaut to promote music and ideology of Rabindranath Tagore in the society, he added.

Acknowledging her role in the countrywide celebration of Pahela Baishakh, Bangla Academy Director General Shamsuzzaman Khan said, "She is still keeping herself involved in social and cultural movements."

Cultural personality Ramendu Majumdar said, "A very few people can turn themselves into an institution for a society. Sanjida Khatun is one of them."

"Now, Chhayanaut is a place where pure culture is still being practised and it plays an undeniable role in enriching the country's culture," he added.

Among others, famed Rabindra Sangeet artiste Rezwana Chowdhury Bannya also spoke.

Overwhelmed by everyone's love and greetings, Dr Sanjida Khatun said, "Life is a struggle to me.” The struggle is for the welfare of humankind..." Let us all work for the people."

Various organisations including Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Bangladesh Shishu Academy and Bangladesh Mahila Parishad presented bouquets to Dr Sanjida. The programme was followed by rendition of songs and recital ofpoems.

Sanjida Khatun was born on April 4 of 1933 in Dhaka. Her father is noted educationist and author Dr Qazi Motahar Hossain. She was one of the founders of Chhayanaut in the early 1960s and Bangladesh Mukti Sangrami Shilpi Sangstha during the Liberation War in 1971. She has been the president of Chhayanaut since 2001.