Inspired by the rebel poet Kazi Nazrul Islam’s famous line "Jor Kadam Chal Re Chal" (march forward with strong steps) from the poem Agrapathik, the prominent northern recitation organization "Kathak" celebrated its 26th founding anniversary in Nageshwari, Kurigram. The milestone was marked by a vibrant, day-long event on Saturday (May 16).
The festivities began at 11:00 AM with a colorful rally originating from the Upazila Mukta Mancha. After parading through the town's major roads, the rally returned to the starting point, where the event was officially inaugurated by renowned Nazrul Sangeet artist Subrata Bhattacharya. This was followed by recitation performances featuring artists of all ages, including children and youths.
At 5:00 PM, a discussion meeting was held, presided over by writer and Nageshwari Government College Principal, Dr. Anwar Hossain Mondal. The session was moderated by Rezaul Karim Reza, a prominent recitation artist, Bengali lecturer at Nageshwari Government College, and the founding director of Kathak.
The event drew a large audience, including current and former members of Kathak, parents, teachers, journalists, writers, and government and non-government officials.
Key speakers included Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) HM Khodadad Hossain, Assistant Commissioner (Land) Badruzzaman Rishad, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Nageshwari Police Station Abdullah Hill Zaman, Kurigram Press Club President Safi Khan, Upazila BNP Convener Golam Rasul Raja, Municipal BNP Joint Convener Ashraf Hossain Apel, Kurigram District President of Bangladesh Islamic Cultural Society Lokman Hekim, poet Abu Jobayer Al Mukul, and City Bank Executive Officer Mozammel Haque.
Speakers praised Kathak's 26-year journey, noting that sustaining a cultural organization dedicated to poetry and recitation is a challenging but commendable feat. They emphasized that cultural engagement helps youth resist negative societal influences and grow into humane citizens who can contribute positively to the nation.
The celebration concluded at 10:30 PM after an evening of captivating solo and group poetry recitations that left the audience spellbound.
