Bangladesh Udichi Shilpigoshthi has organised a cultural protest through music, poetry, theatre and dance following an incident in which ink was smeared on a portrait of Rabindranath Tagore painted on a wall at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. The programme highlighted the importance of Bengali cultural identity, human values, freedom of thought and secularism.
Titled Je Kobi Janatar (The Poet of the People), the event was held at 5 pm on Sunday in front of Tagore’s portrait on the premises of the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. The programme began with the national anthem. Shibani Bhattacharya, vice-president of Udichi, presided over the event, while the organisation’s central secretary, Azmir Tarek Chowdhury, conducted the programme.
Speaking at the event, Udichi Acting General Secretary Sangeeta Imam said Tagore’s identity extended far beyond his role as a poet. His contributions to the Bengali language and literature, music and artistic expression were closely associated with the development of a secular cultural outlook, she said.
She added that Tagore’s works had inspired generations to embrace humanity, independent thinking and an appreciation of beauty. The act of smearing ink on his portrait, she described, was disrespectful to art, literature and the country’s cultural heritage.
Speakers at the programme stressed that defending cultural heritage required more than verbal condemnation. They called for greater emphasis on rational thinking, creativity and sustained cultural activities to counter attempts to undermine artistic and literary traditions. They also described Tagore’s literary and artistic works as an important part of Bengali identity.
Alongside speeches, artists used a range of cultural performances to convey their message. Members of Udichi’s music department performed songs, while its theatre department staged an excerpt from Tagore’s play Bisarjan.
Poetry was recited by Shikha Sengupta, Israt Kakoli, Syeda Ratna and Manisha Majumder. Sujana and Supa Sadia presented dance performances as part of the programme.
The combination of music, poetry, theatre and dance provided a platform for peaceful cultural protest. Through these performances, the artists sought to highlight the enduring relevance of Tagore’s works and the values associated with his literary and artistic legacy.
Rabindranath Tagore remains one of the most influential figures in Bengali literature and culture. His contributions span poetry, songs, plays, short stories and novels, with themes encompassing humanity, nature, independent thought and social life. His song Amar Sonar Bangla serves as the national anthem of Bangladesh.
Through the initiative, Udichi called for greater respect for cultural heritage and the promotion of humanistic and secular values. The programme underscored the role of literature, music, theatre and dance in preserving cultural identity, encouraging creativity and sustaining an environment in which independent thought and artistic expression can flourish.
