“I have always been a happy man. In these 80 years, I could not find a single day of sorrow in my life,” said noted nature enthusiast, ornithologist, mountaineer, photographer and writer Enam Ul Haque, as his 80th birthday was celebrated on Friday evening at the Cosmos Centre Rooftop with tributes, music and reflections from friends, family and admirers.

Hosted by WildTeam CEO and former Dhaka University Professor of Zoology Prof Dr Md Anwarul Islam, the evening began with a remembrance of Cosmos Group Chairman Amanullah Khan on his maiden death anniversary, and Jahangirnagar University Fine Arts Assistant Professor Jannatul Ferdous, who recently passed away while on duty during the JUCSU election.

A soulful flute recital by Suborno Chakraborty Tonmoy with Tabla accompaniment by Anjan Sarker set the tone for the evening, followed by the unveiling of a portrait of Enam Ul Haque by artist Monjur Rashid, signed by the guests.

Distinguished personalities attended the ceremony, including Cosmos Group and WildTeam Founder, Cosmos Foundation Chairman, and UNB and Dhaka Courier Editor Emeritus Enayetullah Khan; 'Nisorgo-Manob Enam Ul Haque' book editor Golam Shafique; Bangladesh Bird Club President Dr Niaz Abdur Rahman; former Bird Club President and Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) Chairman Jalal Ahmed; UNB Editor Mahfuzur Rahman and ArtCon Founder ARK Reepon, among others.

In his reflections, Enam Ul Haque said he felt fortunate to receive greetings from so many who came out of love, not obligation. “I know one day I will be gone, but Bangladesh will continue and surely become beautiful. If you look at the history of this country and then look at today’s Bangladesh, you will not be disappointed,” he said.

Adding to the joyous atmosphere, Catherine Grace Gardner, Creative Artistic Director, Cosmos Global, led the guests in singing “Happy Birthday” to Haque and shared her reflections. Artist Zemrina Haque and the cultural group Addopanto, centred around Haque, presented bouquets to honour him.

In his welcome speech, Enayetullah Khan recalled the many events held at the Cosmos Rooftop but called this one exceptional.

“Today is a very joyous day for us. We have organized many events over the years at this Cosmos Centre Rooftop, but this evening is truly special because we are celebrating our dear Enam Bhai’s 80th birthday. I told him that on this occasion he must celebrate his birthday 80 times – the first was held a few days ago, and today we are celebrating the second," he said.

"When I was young, I used to play cricket. Scoring a century always felt special – so we all hope that Enam Bhai too can make a century in age. In my personal life, very few people have influenced me – and Enam Bhai is one of them,” Enayetullah Khan said at the event.

Speakers also highlighted Haque’s profound influence. Jalal Ahmed said, “Writer Sankar has a book titled Eka Eka Ekashi (‘Alone at 81’), and he wrote it when he turned 81. Enam Bhai has crossed 80, but we will never let him be alone – we are with him.”

Editor of the book 'Nisorgo-Manob Enam Ul Haque' Golam Shafique likened his gift of imparting wisdom through stories to the qualities of sages, saying, “Perhaps Plato and Socrates have been reborn in this age through Enam Ul Haque.”

That sentiment echoed by Bangladesh Bird Club President Dr Niaz Abdur Rahman, who described Haque as one of the country’s guiding lights. “Throughout history, enlightened individuals have appeared who inspired and guided societies. For us, Enam Ul Haque is such a person. Even at 80, his fitness and activeness are extraordinary,” he said.

The cultural segment featured artist Shahidul Haq Sharto performing Tagore’s 'Akash Bhora Surjo Tara', followed by remarks from Haque’s youngest sister Rebeka Haque.

Development consultant and cultural activist Nasir Uddin Sheikh sang Tagore song 'Amar Ei Poth Chaoatei Anondo', while reflections were also shared by Upoma Das Trina, from the cultural group Addopanto, Bangladesh Bird Club General Secretary Sarowar Alam Dipu, Dhaka University Faculty of Fine Art Professor Md Robiul Islam and others.

The evening continued with flute performances, songs, a book unveiling, and concluding remarks from Enayetullah Khan, Catherine Grace Gardner, Enam Ul Haque himself, and Gallery Cosmos Artistic Director Sourav Chowdhury. The programme came to a close with Nasir Uddin Sheikh’s rendition of the Tagore classic 'Ami Chini Go Chini Tomare'.