Faridpur pays tribute to Lalon on his 136th death anniversary

A memorial programme marking the 136th death anniversary of Lalon Sai was held in Faridpur on Saturday.

The Faridpur district administration organised a discussion and cultural programme at the Shishu Academy around 11:30am.

Deputy Commissioner Mazharul Islam addressed the event as chief guest, with Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Mohammad Sohrab Hossain in the chair.

Special guests included Additional Superintendent of Police Mohammad Shamsul Azam, Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mishkatul Jannat Rabeya, Jatiyatabadi Samajik Sangskritik Sangstha (JASAS) convener Advocate Syed Rashidul Alam Tuhin, Baul Pagla Bablu Khan and Baul Nizam Sai. Sujit Kumar Das moderated the programme.

Speakers called for spreading Lalon Sai’s ideals, humanist philosophy and literary thought among the younger generation. They also expressed hope that a Lalon research centre and an aesthetically pleasing structure would be built in Faridpur.

They described Lalon as a humanist mystic and the emperor of Baul music, saying his philosophy teaches humanity, equality, harmony and mutual respect. They urged people to embrace his literature, philosophy and ideas in their own lives and follow his ideals to build a society where people value one another as they should.

They also stressed the need to create opportunities for research into Lalon’s life and philosophy.

The speakers thanked the government for taking the initiative to organise Lalon memorial programmes and festivals in all 64 districts. They also expressed gratitude to the Faridpur district administration for arranging the event.

They hoped that practising Lalon’s humanist philosophy and non-communal ideals would strengthen harmony, tolerance and human values in society.

Before the discussion, a rally started from Rajendra College, paraded through the town and ended at the Faridpur Shishu Academy.

Artistes performed Baul songs in the next part of the programme.