Staff Reporter:
Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter has said that the message of humanity expressed in Lalon’s songs remains equally relevant yesterday.
“Lalon’s music is of the highest artistic standard, enriched with profound philosophical, political, and above all, humanistic values,” she said.
The Adviser made such remarks yesterday at a program organized by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and directed by the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, held on the premises of the Lalon Academy at Cheuria, Kumarkhali, Kushtia, marking the 135th Death Anniversary (Tirodhan Dibas) of Fakir Lalon
Shah at the national level, said a handout yesterday.
This is the first time Lalon Shah’s death anniversary is being observed at the state level, which is a histor-ic decision, she said.
Farida Akhter added that the government believes Lalon’s philosophy and contribution should not be confined to the national level only.
“Whichever government comes in the future, there will be no conflict with Lalon, as he represents no political ideology but stands as a symbol of humanity,” she continued.
Farida further stated, “There are many saints recognized in the global arena, yet Lalon is still not as well-known internationally. The global community has the right to know his philosophy, songs, and teach-ings. We want to see Lalon’s name, music, and philosophy spread across the world.”
“This event is not merely a commemoration but a significant step toward showing state-level respect to Lalon. In the coming days, Lalon’s songs and philosophy will spread not only throughout Bangladesh but also to every corner of the world,” she added.
In a video message at the event, Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, speaking as the chief guest, said, “Lalon Shah is one of the greatest philosophers and thinkers of our country. We need to in-ternalize his life philosophy and ideals. It is a matter of great pride that Lalon’s death anniversary is now being observed at the national level.”
He also mentioned that a Lalon festival will be organized in Dhaka on this occasion.
Cultural Affairs Secretary Md. Mofidur Rahman, internationally renowned writer and scholar Professor Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak, eminent poet, writer, thinker, and Lalon researcher Farhad Mazhar, and Prof Abdullah Al Mamun of the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism, University of Rajshahi (RU) attended as special guests on the occasion while Kushtia Deputy Commissioner Abu Hasnat Mohammad Arefin was in the chair.
