Norwegian Ambassador to Bangladesh Håkon Arald Gulbrandsen visited a remote village in Lalmonirhat’s Aditmari upazila on Monday night to see children’s folk music practice and other cultural activities.
Gulbrandsen visited “Mayer Tori,” a social and cultural organization in Araji Deodoba village under Bhadai union, after being drawn by the children’s melodious singing.
During the visit, he observed children practicing folk music, receiving training in traditional folk instruments and taking part in various activities organized by the group.
He expressed admiration for the children’s interest in and practice of the traditional culture of rural Bengal.
He was accompanied by Alexander Falk-Bildene, deputy head of mission at the Norwegian Embassy, and Program Officer Shahpar Selim.
Among others present were Aditmari Upazila Executive Officer Gunjon Biswas, Stromi Foundation Country Director Mizanur Rahman, Mayer Tori President Pramod Chandra Barman, Executive Director Sujon Kumar Bed, Adviser Pintu Saha and organizer Yusuf Alamgir.
Sujon Kumar Bed said Mayer Tori currently operates nine “Gurugriha” centres in Lalmonirhat and Kurigram to promote Bengali culture at the grassroots level.
More than 600 children regularly receive training in folk music and traditional folk instruments at the centres, he said.
