The Embassy of Bangladesh in Mexico City celebrated the 162nd birth anniversary of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore and the 124th birth anniversary of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam with due solemnity and enthusiasm, jointly with the local Indian Embassy and Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore Indian Cultural Centre (GTICC) on Saturday, July 15.
The program commenced with Ambassador of India Dr Pankaj Sharma and Ambassador of Bangladesh Abida Islam paying heartfelt homage to these revered figures of India and Bangladesh by laying floral tributes to their photographs.
In their speech, the ambassadors eloquently portrayed Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam as a shared cultural treasure between the two nations. They emphasized the profound influence of their writings on the cultural ethos and philosophical foundations of the Bengali nation. Furthermore, they underscored the remarkable impact of Rabindranath-Nazrul's literary works on the freedom fighters during the anti-British movements in the Indian subcontinent and the War of Liberation of Bangladesh in 1971.
The celebration continued with a captivating cultural soirée, featuring renowned Mexican artists Kanai and Arjun who performed Rabindra Sangeet and Jugal Bandi. Later, the dance of Mexican dancers Ernest Della Teja and Veronica with Rabindra and Nazrul music captivated the audience.
The program further delighted attendees with compelling poetry recitations of Tagore and Nazrul presented simultaneously in both Bangla and Spanish language by the Director of GTICC, Abhinaw Raj, and the Counsellor and Head of Chancery of the Embassy of Bangladesh, Shahanaj Ranu. Ambassador Abida Islam's enchanting performance of two songs by Tagore and Kazi Nazrul created a truly unique atmosphere. Furthermore, the audience was captivated and moved by the melodious voices and impeccable renditions of Tagore’s compositions presented by the Bangladeshi singers, Tanha Tabassum and Raisa Ahmed. Their performances resonated deeply with the attendees, evoking heartfelt emotions and garnering resounding applause, adding an extra layer of allure to the event.
The event was graced by the presence of around 150 esteemed guests, including representatives from India, Bangladesh, and esteemed local dignitaries.
The festivities culminated with a delightful offering of traditional food from Bangladesh and India, providing a memorable taste of these rich cultures.
IHR/SU