Bengali language is inspirational, preserve and propagate it: Bidyut
Shekhar Dey: Bangla redefines concept of culture and tradition
Mail News Service
Jamshedpur: With cyclonic weather conditions including strong wind and medium to heavy showers lashing across the city till late Saturday evening, the weather suddenly changed to more than pleasant, but, not only the organizers but all ‘Bangabhashis’ in Kolhan region and beyond who had been eagerly looking forward to this big event at the Gopal Maidan in Bistupur on Sunday, March 19, were depressed with bouts of viral pessimism. They had their fingers crossed and come Sunday, the cloudy conditions did not look as threatening and the spirit of the Utsav turned to revival mode. The purpose and efforts of the Banga Utsav Samiti did not go in vain as the presence of thousands of Bangabhashis from midmorning to late evening reflected the contagious spirit that Banga Utsav – Kolhan had ignited.
Jamshedpur MP Bidyut Baran Mahto, along with honoured guest and social activist associated with several socio cultural organizations, Shekhar Dey, Banga Utsav Samiti President Achintam Gupta and Bengal Club President Tapas Mitra inaugurated Banga Utsav – Kolhan following which, the floodgates of cultural colours along with serious discussions on preservation and propagation of Banga education, literary and other traditional pursuits were discussed.
In his inaugural address at the Banga Utsav – Kolhan celebrations at Gopal Maidan on Sunday, March 19, parliamentarian Bidyut Mahto observed, “The steel city of Jamshedpur reflects a mini-India where people of mostly all communities reside in a fraternal atmosphere,” and added, “Bengali is a language steeped in historical essence. We studied between classes 1 and 10 in Bengali medium but the moment we touched our intermediate level, we had to study in other languages that were literally forced on us. This is all the more reason that the Bangla language handed down to us by our forefathers as a legacy, should be protected just like our culture and tradition. We should be alert and ensure that this legacy is not destroyed or damaged. One measure to preserve and propagate our rich legacy of language, culture and tradition is to fix an annual date to organize this sort of mass Utsav so that the future generations can experience the magnitude and importance of the rich Bangla language, traditional and cultural heritage.”
The huge success of Banga Utsav – Kolhan was attributed to all associations, groups and individuals of Kolhan Region.
The President of Banga Utsav Samiti, Achintam Gupta stated, “The main purpose of organizing this programme was to get all Bengali people of the region and state on a common platform and seek recourse to various contretemps facing the Bengali speaking community. The open issues put up by various and highly knowledgeable speakers have raised our levels of confidence to overcome the obstacles with a positive but determined approach.”
Bengal and Bengalis are known for their rich cultural and culinary heritage as well. Musical wizards of the caliber of folk singer Badal Pal from Purulia known as an exponent of Manbhum music had the huge audience swaying to his musical rhythm and the atmosphere became more pulsating as the Chhau troupe from Purulia accompanied Pal in lyrical spirit. The high accolade winning singers from West Bengal, Poushali Banerjee and the versatile Surojit and his band regaled the Gopal Maidan ‘human deluge’ with their brand of folk and modern songs that they have stamped their trademarks on. The musical and dance amalgam continued till late evening and added warmth to the post-cyclonic chilly atmosphere.
Several social and cultural clubs and institutions had set up stalls dealing in culinary delicacies, art and craft and traditional clothing besides help counters for visitors. The stalls were set up by Jugsalai Durgabari Trust, Siksha Samiti, Sabuj Kalyan Sangha, Nikhil Bharat Bangiya Sahitya Sammelan, The Evening Club, The Milanee, The Bengal Club, Banga Bandhu, Vivekananda Milan Sangha, Pratik Sangharsh Foundation, Gouri Kunj, Netaji Milan Sangh, Subhashchandra Milan Sangh, New Farm Area Durga Puja Committee, Bandhan, Mataji Mandir, Potka and others. Traffic arrangements were immaculate and a battery of CCTV cameras ensured total safety at the Utsav ground.