Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury has said the literature of Rabindranath Tagore is one of the most effective tools for removing darkness from society.

He said Rabindranath is the ray of sunlight in Bengali literature.

Just as sunlight dispels darkness, Rabindranath, through his timeless literary works, has illuminated and removed the darkness from our consciousness, he added.

The Minister made these remarks, while speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration ceremony of a three-day national celebration of the 165th birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore in Kushtia on Friday.

The event was organised by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and implemented by the Kushtia District Administration at the historic Shilaidaha Kuthibari in Kushtia, a place deeply associated with the poet’s memories.

Nitai Roy Chowdhury, in his address, also said Rabindranath was, in every sense, a humanist and a compassionate advocate for farmers.

Referring to Shilaidaha as a living monument of Bengali literature and culture, he announced that the Ministries of Culture and Tourism would jointly work to transform the Kuthibari into a complete tourist destination.

Cultural Affairs Secretary Kaniz Moula presided over the event, while eminent educationist Professor Wakil Ahmed delivered a commemorative speech titled “Rabindranath: The Poet of Peace and Humanity.”

Members of Parliament Reza Ahmed Bacchu Molla, Afzal Hossain and Farida Yasmin, among others, were present.

The cultural affairs minister also visited the museum inside the Kuthibari and viewed the preserved memorabilia of the poet.

Later, the event was followed by cultural soiree on the open stage with an inaugural musical performance by Kushtia Shilpakala Academy artist Shreha Khatun.

The three-day festival features a variety of events, including Rabindra Sangeet performances, poetry recitations, dance, and drama, said a PID handout.