Bashundhara Shuvosangho’s Keshabpur Upazila unit on Sunday celebrated the 202nd birth anniversary of eminent poet Michael Madhusudan Dutt, a pioneer of modernism in Bengali literature, the father of the Bengali sonnet and the first successful playwright in the language.
Marking the occasion, the organisation arranged a discussion meeting and literary gathering at Sagardari, the poet’s birthplace, under the initiative of the Bashundhara Shuvosangho Keshabpur unit.
The programme was presided over by Prof Asim Kumar Ghosh, general secretary of the unit.
The event was attended as chief guest by poet Khosru Parvez, a Madhusudan researcher and director of Madhusudan Academy, while Md Hasanuzzaman, custodian of Sagardari Madhupalli, addressed the programme as a special guest.
Poems, plays and farces from Michael Rachanabali were recited at the event, followed by in-depth discussions on the poet’s literary contributions.
The main discussant of the literary session was writer and essayist Tapas Majumdar, assistant professor at Jamira College in Phultala, Khulna.
During the literary gathering, poetry recitations were presented by poet Manab Mandal and student Rudra Ghosh.
Among others who took part in the discussion were Ajit Mukherjee, education and social welfare affairs secretary of Bashundhara Shuvosangho Keshabpur unit and headmaster; Samir Das, vice-president of Panjia Combined Literary and Cultural Council; poet and essayist Manab Mandal, its assistant secretary; Sagardari-based photographer Mufti Taheruzzaman; and Hasina Khatun, women’s affairs secretary of Bashundhara Shuvosangho Keshabpur unit.
The programme was also attended by Kaler Kantho’s Keshabpur Correspondent Nurul Islam Khan, teacher Zafar Iqbal, Keshabpur College students Swastika Ghosh and Rudra Ghosh, along with local literature enthusiasts.
Speaking as chief guest, poet Khosru Parvez said many relics associated with Michael Madhusudan Dutt still remain in Sagardari, his birthplace.
“Although research has been conducted on him, more extensive studies are still needed,” he said.
Main discussant Tapas Majumdar said, “Whatever is new in Bengali literature was pioneered by Madhusudan. Preserving his legacy and introducing him more effectively to the younger generation is extremely important. Alongside textbooks, organising competitive programmes for students based on his works is essential. Sunday’s initiative by Bashundhara Shuvosangho is highly commendable and timely.”
Bd-Pratidin English/ AM
