The 121st birth anniversary of Poet Jibanananda Das was observed in Barisal on Monday with various programs organized by different sociocultural and academic organizations.
The programs were held with an emphasis on starting a Jibanananda museum, along with the study and preservation of his memories.
Activists of Jatiya Kobita Parishad Barisal branch paid a floral tribute at his mural and held a discussion at the auditorium of Jibanananda Memorial Hall at the poet’s ancestral home on Monday morning.
A three-day long festival, which started on Sunday, was arranged at his working place Brojomohun College campus in Barisal. Uttoron Sangskritik Sangathan, a literary organization of the college, organized the festival while Prof Dr Golam Kibria, vice-principal of the college, inaugurated the programs.
The festival, which was open from 9am to 9pm, had a book fair. Several stalls at the festival also showcased the native culture of the Bengali life.
Barisal University’s Bangla Department arranged a discussion on the life and achievements of the poet, and his influence on Bangla language and literature at Kirtankhola Auditorium.
Recitation of poems, essay writing and painting competitions were also arranged in these programs.
Speakers and participants of these programs demanded implementation of the Dhansiri River Eco-park Project and the excavation of Dhansiri River. They also urged for the establishment of a museum, memorials and sculptures of the poet in places connected with his life.
The speakers stressed for further study and research on the poet’s life, works, ideology, and impact.
Born on February 17, 1899, Jibanananda Das is arguably the most influential romantic poet of the post-Tagore era.
The celebrated poet died in a road accident on October 22, 1954, in Kolkata.