115th birth anniv of drum magician Binaybanshi Jaldas celebrated : Tributes paid at birthplace, discussion ,reception to eminent personalities, cultural programme held
Boalkhali ( Chittagong) Correspondent
A discussion meeting, a reception for distinguished guests and a delightful cultural program were held in Boalkhali, Chittagong, to mark the 115th birth anniversary of Ustad Binoybashi Jaldas, the renowned dhol player of the subcontinent, a legendary folk artist and a saint of melody.
The day-long program was organized on Thursday at artist's birthplace and residence in Chandaria village of Purba Gomdandi, Ward No. 3 of Boalkhali Municipality, under the initiative of the Binoybashi Artist Group.
Ustad Binoybashi Jaldas was awarded the Ekushey Padak by the Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh in 2001 in recognition of his special contribution to instrumental music. He made a special contribution to Bengali folk culture through his own style of drumming and long practice. At the event held at his birthplace, speakers remembered the artist's life, work and cultural contributions.
The day's program began with tributes and wreaths being laid at the artist's portrait, sculpture and tomb. Later, at 3 pm, the cultural program began with the inaugural drum performance by the artist's worthy son, international drummer and folk artist Babul Jaldas, and his associates.
This was followed by musical performances, birthday cake cutting, discussion sessions, solo and group music, dance, recitation, reception of eminent personalities and presentation of 'Binaybanshi Award' to the members of the organization. The entire program was filled with a vibrant cultural atmosphere with performances by various artists.
The program was presided over by Ranu Majumder, acting president of Binoybanshi Shilpi Gosthi, and was inaugurated by philanthropist and saint Dalim Barua. Boalkhali Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Mehedi Hasan Faruk was the chief guest at the discussion.
The special guests were Syed Muhammad Ayaz Mabud, Cultural Officer of Chittagong District Shilpakala Academy, Alhaj Azizul Haque, Chairman, Joint Convener of Chittagong South District BNP, Md. Shawkat Alam, Member of Chittagong South District BNP, and Chowdhury Lokman, Chittagong Bureau Chief of Bangla TV.
Chittagong South District Jubo Dal General Secretary Mohammad Azgar, Boalkhali Press Club President Sirajul Islam, Boalkhali Upazila BNP Jubo Dal Founder General Secretary and Bangladesh Puja Udjavan Parishad Boalkhali Branch President Swapan Shil, Boalkhali Muktijoddha Sangsad Deputy Commander Bir Muktijoddha Sharatchandra Barua, Sreepur-Kharandwip Union Panel Chairman Hasan Chowdhury, Ramesh Shilpi Gosthi President and Teacher Prolay Chowdhury Mukti, Boalkhali Press Club General Secretary Journalist Yasin Chowdhury, Journalist Shah Alam Bablu and people from different classes and professions were present as honored guests.
The speakers at the discussion said that Binaybanshi Jaldas was a unique devotee of Bengali folk music and dhol playing. Through his long pursuit, dedication and creativity, dhol playing has gained a unique status in the country and abroad. They emphasized on taking joint initiatives to preserve this tradition of folk culture, along with presenting his life and work to the new generation.
Biplob Jaldas, founder general secretary of Binoybanshi Shilpi Gosthi, delivered a welcome speech moderated by organization member Sajeeb Chowdhury.
The organization's Joint General Secretary Bakul Barua, Deputy General Secretary Ashutosh Das, Deputy Treasurer Teacher Mahfuz Rocky, Organizing Secretary Mohammad Yusup, Literary Secretary Teacher Pradul Kanti De, Office Secretary Dr. Shyama Prasad Dasgupta, Women's Affairs Secretary Priyanka Das, Deputy Women's Affairs Secretary Jayashree Das, Mohammad Riaz, Pintu Das and other leaders and members of the organization spoke.
Musicians listed by Bangladesh Television and Chittagong Center, Sukumar Dey, listed by Television and Radio, Bidhan Das, musicians Kalipada Das, Md. Faruk, Joyita Ghosh, Mitra Dey, Srishti Sil, Preeti Das, Mohini Das, Nandini Das, Aditi Das, Pyu Das and Jayshree Das performed at the cultural program.
Dance performances were performed by members of the organization and dancers Arpita Ghosh, Anvesha Chowdhury and Barsha Acharya. In addition, group and solo music performances were performed by Tinku Rani Devi, Payel Devi, Papri Devi, Kanta Devi, Shruti Devi, Roni Nath, Srabani De and Pushpa Devi.
Mintu Das, Nantu Das and other artists participated in the drumming. Shimul Acharya on the octopad, Shiplu Das on the keyboard, Anik Das on the tabla and Mithun Chakraborty on the flute assisted in the instrumental accompaniment.
The ceremony was attended by the artist's family members, leaders and members of the Binoybanshi artist group, artist-cultural activists, journalists, representatives of various social and cultural organizations, and local dignitaries.
