Padatik celebrates 40th anniversary thru an array of programmes
Aly Zaker, Nargis Chy, Ebadul Haque, Sirajul Islam receive Kochi Memorial Award
DL reporter
Renowned theatre troupe Padatik Bangladesh celebrated its 40th founding anniversary with an array of programme followed by an award ceremony at the National Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) in the capital on Saturday.
The theatre troupe Padatik Bangladesh initiated the award Kochi Memorial Award in 2006 and give the award on the basis of two categories, Culture and Law and Social Welfare. The Kochi Memorial Award was named after one of its founding member, the late Abu Muhammad Murtayish Kochi.
This year, renowned theatre personality Aly Zaker and Rabindra Sangeet singer Nargis Chowdhury received the award for their contribution in the cultural arena, while Justice Kazi Ebadul Haque and Sirajul Islam Khan (Posthumous) received the award for their contribution to the law and social welfare.
Cultural Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman Noor attended the award ceremony as chief guest and handed over crests to the recipients, while Professor Abdus Selim, cultural activists Hasan Arif, Jhuna Chowdhury and Ahmed Gias were present as special guests at the event. Troupe leader Selim Shamsul Huda Chowdhury presided over the ceremony. As Aly Zaker was absent at the event, Asaduzzaman Noor received the crest on behalf of Aly Zaker.
Asaduzzaman Noor in his speech said, Facilities for theatre are increasing day by day. Once upon a time, we had to stage a play only on the small stage of Mahila Samiti. This time, we have reopened the Mahila Samiti Mancha by constructing the stage in a widespread way. The rent for the venue costs 12000 taka, but I declared that cultural ministry will subsidise a major portion of the rent. All theatre troupes should take advantage of this. Besides, we also have three halls in the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.
He also gave the vote of thanks to Padatik for completing 40 years of their journey.
Justice Kazi Ebadul Haque said, Abu Muhammad Murtayish Kochi is an immortal man. Though he died, everyone remembers him for his work. The award, which I received today, is a part of his remembrance.
After the award ceremony, the troupe staged the compilation of their renowned plays, such as Sujon Badhiyar Ghat, Kobor, Shey, Poramati, Ma, Candraboti and others.
A rally with the pictures of the plays, poster and musical instruments was brought out by the theatre troupe marking the event at 3:30pm on Saturday. The ceremony also featured a cultural programme, including dance and mime performance on the open stage of BSA at 4:00pm. l
