Udichi’s national conference ends on high note

The 21st National Conference of Bangladesh Udichi Shilpigosthi ended at Mahanagar Natya Mancha in Dhaka on Saturda.

This year, the speakers of the conference talked about the democratic crisis in Bangladesh, and they urged cultural activists to spread the spirit of the Liberation War among the people.

The three-day event was inaugurated by eminent educationist Ajoy Roy on Thursday. Dhaka University Professor Emeritus Dr Serajul Islam Choudhury, labour leader Shahidullah Chowdhury and DU Professor Kaberi Gayen were present at the opening ceremony as special guests.

National Professor Serajul Islam Choudhury, Shahidullah Chowdhury, cultural personality Kamal Lohani, Udichi founding member and former president Golam Mohammad Idu and others spoke at the event.

The event featured a discussion, award-giving programme, cultural shows, selection of Udichi’s new executive committee, Satyen Sen Gono Sangeet Utsab, and others.

On the first day of the conference, a national gono sangeet (inspirational song) contest was held.  On the same day, Udichi distributed certificates among the winners of Ranesh Das Gupta Jatiya Grantha Path contest, which was held earlier in January.

Following the inauguration, Udichi members brought out a colourful procession that passed through different streets of the capital.

Both on the first and second days, winners of the national gono sangeet contest and artistes from across the country presented songs, recited poems and performed dances. Popular Nazrul Sangeet singer Khairul Anam Shakil, Devprashad Das, gono sangeet singer Tanvir Alam Sajib, and Simanto Monjuri rendered songs, among others.

Belayet Hossain and Dalia Ahmed recited poems at the event as well.  

The conference ended on a high note with the selection of the a new committee of Udichi, which will oversee the organisation for the next two years. The cover of a book, titled “Udichi biplobi oitijjher ottoradhikar”, was also unveiled during the closing ceremony.

This year, 502 representatives from 54 districts and 64 branches, and 164 delegates joined the conference.

Bangladesh Udichi Shilpigoshthi was founded on October 29, 1968 by Satyen Sen and Ranesh Das Gupta, along with numerous youths. From the beginning, the organization has been trying to spread Bangladeshi culture and music through various activities.