Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) organised a remembrance programme on Saturday to honour the legacy of Lalon Sai, highlighting his philosophy of equality, humanity and respect for people beyond religious and social divisions.
The programme marking the 136th death anniversary of the mystic Baul saint was held at the National Theatre Hall at 6 pm, under the patronage of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs.
Addressing the event as the chief guest, State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali Newaz Mahmud Khayyam MP stressed the importance of practising equality and respecting individual freedom of belief.
Referring to recent incidents of religious extremism, he said people should have the freedom to practise or not practise religion without being subjected to insult or humiliation.
“Lalon’s central teaching is a sense of equality, and that is what we should practise,” he said.
Speaking as the chair of the programme, Md Harun-or-Rashid, joint secretary and Director General (additional charge) of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, said Lalon’s life and spiritual practice presented a vision of a humane society where a person’s greatest identity is being human.
“Lalon taught us that dignity lies not in one’s birth or identity, but in humanity, conscience and deeds,” he said.
He added that Lalon’s philosophy was not merely part of Bangladesh’s cultural heritage but also an important guide to social and moral renewal.
Yasmin Begum, secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, attended the programme as a special guest, while artist and researcher Professor Dr Ahmed Shakil Hasmi delivered the keynote address.
Ashraf Uddin Ahmed Ujjal, Cultural Affairs Secretary of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), and Zakir Hossain Rokon, Member Secretary of the Jatiyatabadi Samajik Sangskritik Sangstha (JASAS), also spoke as special guests.
The second part of the programme featured performances of Lalon songs by prominent folk and Baul artistes.
Popular singer Latif Shah opened the musical segment with Lalon’s ‘Doinno Gaan’, followed by Nasrin Sultana Beauty’s rendition of ‘Krishna Preme Pora Deho’. Aleya Begum also performed Lalon songs.
Biman Chandra Biswas sang ‘Ami Opar Hoye Boshe Achhi’, while Mousumi Iqbal performed ‘Helay Helay Din Boye Jay’.
Veteran folk singer Kangalini Sufia presented ‘Dekha Diyeo He Rasul’, followed by Kaniz Khandaker Mitu’s rendition of ‘Ghore Keba Jage Keba Ghumay’.
The programme continued with performances by Suman Roy, Pakhi Bauliana and Sultana Zaman Jochhona.
The event concluded with collective performances of ‘Dhanya Dhanya Boli Tare’, ‘Amar Ghor Khanay Ke Biraj Kore’ and ‘Milon Hobe Koto Dine’ by vocal artistes of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.