Lalon Research Foundation holds two-day festival
A two-day Lalon festival organised by Lalon Research Foundation ended on Wednesday with discussion and presentation of diverse songs of the 19th century bard at Music and Dance Centre of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. Professor emeritus Anisuzzaman, rights activist Sultana Kamal, poet Asad Chowdhury and Moslemuddin Fakir spoke on Lalon Shah and his philosophy. Students of Achin Pakhi Sangeet Academy, a music school run by Lalon exponent Farida Parveen, presented Lalon’s mystic songs highlighting humanism, spiritualism and others.
Farida Parveen renders a song at Lalon festival. Earlier on Tuesday, Farida Parveen moved the audience rendering popular Lalon songs. Following Farida’s presentation, Lalon Research Foundation president Abu Ishak Hossain explained the underlying meanings of the songs which are the doctrines adhered to by the Lalon followers. Eminent Lalon researcher professor Anwarul Karim, also pro-vice-chancellor of Northern University, was present at the inauguration ceremony as the chief guest. He praised the activities of the foundation saying that it ‘has been doing a remarkable job by disseminating Lalon’s philosophy among the youths in a time when the society is faced with different problems like sectarianism, fundamentalism and others.’ Farida Parveen began her performance with rendition of a song having anti-sectarian message titled ‘Jat Gelo Jat Gelo Bole’. Farida’s soulful presentation of the song moved the audience. Abu Ishak explained the message of the song saying, ‘It is a satire against the then caste-ridden society where a person was treated according to his birth, not by his merit.’ Subsequently, Farida captivated the audience by her brilliant presentation of Lalon’s beautiful mystic songs such as Parey Loye Jao Amay, Barir Kacche Aarshinagar, Jekhane Sai-er Baramkhana and Dhonnya Dhonnya Boli Tarey. But, the thirst of the audience was not fulfilled. They kept on requesting the singers to present more songs. Encored by the audience she rendered Parey Ke Jabi, Pabi Samanne Ki Tar Dekha, Satya Bol Supathe Chol and other songs.
