Bangladeshi artiste appeals for brotherhood and friendship

Renowned Bangladeshi classical dance exponent Lubna Marium has appealed for friendship and brotherhood among the people of Bangladesh and Northeast India through art and culture after accepting the first ever Biswaratna Bhupen Hazarika International Solidarity Award in Guwahati.

The award was instituted by the apex literary body of the state Asam Sahitya Sabha to honour the musical genius Bhupen Hazarika who had passed away on November 5 in 2011.

“I’m extremely honoured to have this. My response has been an open invitation to one and all to visit my beautiful country. We share so much history and culture, which unfortunately has become fractured due to historical and political reasons. But, it is never too late to start building bridges,” Marium who is also a Sanskrit scholar said addressing a jam-packed Rabindra Bhawan in Guwahati.

She also appreciated the move of the literary body to bridge the gap of the political barriers through cultural ways. “Having acquainted myself with Sabha’s work within Assam and abroad. I feel that the institution of an award such as this will not just help to build bridges between Assam and other countries like Bangladesh but in the overall international arena,” she added.

The 59 year old cultural exponent has also promised to play her part in the best possible manner to make the people realize the cultural bonding with the neighbouring country. “I would like to assure the people of Assam that as a mark of my gratitude for this unique honour through my personal efforts and the efforts of our humble organization, Sadhona – A centre for Advancement of South Asia Culture. It will be my priority to promote understanding and friendship between the people of Assam and Bangladesh. There is certainly a crying need for more people to people interaction,” said the vice president of World Dance Alliance – Asia Pacific.

Marium who stayed around 10 days travelling various parts of the state also showed interest in conducting research on Ojapali, Sattriya, Bihu and other dance forms of the state.

Asam Sahitya Sabha vice president Paramananda Rajbonshi said that as Bhupen Hazarika always worked for global peace, harmony and solidarity this ward will help in doing the same. The award carries Rs 2 lakh in cash besides a certificate and plaque.

Terming Marium as a sister, Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi wished that her work will act to bring a positive environment in the entire region. “We need more such type of cultural exchange to understand each other in a better way,” Gogoi said.