February 10, 2014
WB CM calls for subho jagoron at Bangla Sangeet Mela inauguration
Bangla Sangeet Mela 2014 will be held across several venues in Kolkata from February 11 to February 17. The much waited annual event was inaugurated on February 10 by West Bengal CM Ms. Mamata Banerjee at the Science City Auditorium.
The venues of this year`s Sangeet Mela are Rabindra Sadan, Sisir Manch, Mohor Kunja, Deshapriya Park, Princep Memorial, Harish Park, Hedua Park, Ahindra Manch and Rabindra Tirtha. Apart from the musical shows, Rabindra Sadan will also host exhibitions. The closing ceremony will be held on February 17 at the Science City Auditorium.
WB CM Ms. Mamata Benerjee felicitated the legends of Bengali music by honouring them with Sangeet Samman and Sangeet Mahasamman. The recipients of this year's Sangeet Mahasamman were Prabhati Mukhopadhyay, Tejendranarayan Majumdar and Arun Kumar Bhaduri. Actor and singer Arindum Ganguly, Durga Baul, Alok Roychowdhury, Rupankar Bagchi were conferred Sangeet Samman.
For the first time this year, musical troupes were given Sangeet Samman. The recipients were the Bhaoaiya troupe of Sarojini Burman, Baul troupe of Panmoni Besra, Sonam Shering Lepcha and his troupe, Dhamsa troupe of Shrimat Soren and the Baul troupe of Tulika Mondol.
The Sangeet Samman trophy this year resembled an ektara and was named Baul Mon. The Culture and Information Department held a road show on February 9 to popularise the event among the masses.
Excerpts from the Chief Minister`s speech:
I welcome all the legendary figures of Bangla music who are present here. They have blessed this wonderful occasion by being present here today. Stalwarts from Bengali folk music have also graced this occasion.
The Sangeet Mela will continue till February 17th at a number of places. Any music lover can walk into any of these venues and enjoy the music; there is no entry fee. Around 1200 artistes will perform in this year`s event. Today we will felicitate some of the legends of Bengali music with Sangeet Mahasamman and Sangeet Samman. For the first time folk music troupes will be given Sangeet Samman this year. They will also perform after this award ceremony.
The Sangeet Mela will witness simultaneous performances by the older and the younger generation of artistes. Our main objective will be to stress on the rich folk music of Bengal. You will be delighted to know that our tableaux won the first prize in the Republic Day Parade in New Delhi. Our theme was Chhau Dance from Purulia. We are proud of this. Those artistes who have not been given recognition, it is our duty to help them get their due credit.
Music is the essence of life. It inspires us in every form. Bengal has a rich tradition of music. Bengal is the cultural centre of the world. It is our duty to uphold these traditions. A subho jagoran has started in Bengal besides the nabo jagoran. I believe that the amalgamation of the old and the new generation will help Bengal reclaim her true place in the world.
Thank you.
