when there is so much
appreciation for our culture abroad, it is sad that the appeal of it should be
eroding among some sections of the present
generations of Bangladeshis and their going after sleaze in the name of style or culture
Appreciating our culture and way of life
Sifat Bari
The observance of different cultural occasions brings to the mind many thoughts. Some are of gratification while others are of concern. In many ways, Bangladeshis in overwhelming number are preserving and upholding their unique cultural identity in the multi-faceted cultural landscape of the world. On the other hand, the forces such as globalisation, the internet, satellite television, etc., are also making inroads into the inherently Bengali way of life.
While the positive economic effects of globalisation can be acceptable, the same cannot apply to the cultural effects of it. Bangladeshis are not like some people in other parts of the world with a heritage no better than cannibalism and jungle living. They have a history as old as the oldest civilisations on earth. All the artefacts of a civilised existence dating back thousands of years ago have been discovered in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh in antiquity was known as a land of wealth, luxurious living and finery of its crafts, specially the fabled muslin cloth. Its riches, artistry and culture attracted foreigners in the ancient times who travelled to this land to lay their hands on the same and to learn. In 323 BC when Alexander invaded the Indian subcontinent their march forward was checked among other reasons by the existence of a powerful kingdom in Bangladesh noted for its high civilisation and also military prowess. Greek chroniclers named the kingdom and its people as Gangaridi and Gandaridi respectively.
The brutal colonial intervention and subjugation of Bangladesh again and again made the Bangladeshis poor and forced them to unlearn or turn away from some aspects of their native life and living.
But on the whole, Bangladeshis remain among the forerunners in civilsation. When the ancestors of the people of some front ranking countries of the world today were only a little better than savages perhaps only several centuries ago, Bangladeshis by comparison, thousands of years ago, had practiced urban living, benefited from government, traded with currency and many of them led luxurious life by the standards of the ancient world.
Even today, in the poorest of Bangladeshi homes, food is actually cooked with a variety of spices and not eaten raw or semi-raw as in some corners of the world. Eating properly cooked food as distinct from uncooked or little cooked ones is judged as a litmus test of a civilised existence. Bangladeshis can be proud that they crossed into this threshold of civilisation millenniums ago when some people in other parts of the world seem to be still at learning stages in this regard. The Bengali cuisine is world famous today.
The Bengali language is one of the top seven recognised international languages in the world scene. The extent of the use of a language is both reflective of its potency and acceptance as a means of communication. Many languages of the world have died away. Other more appealing languages have swallowed them up or obliterated their use. The same has not been the fate of Bengali which is a major language of the world spoken by a very big part of all humanity. Bengali men of letters won Nobel prizes in literature and others distinguished themselves in the world stage for other forms of creative and artistic works involving their own land and culture. The Bengali songs, music, musical instruments, drama, etc., enjoy international renown for their very high standards and appreciation. Art, language, music, heritage, cuisine, literature, etc., are the manifestations of a civilised and worthwhile human existence. Bangladeshis can boast of their attainments in every sphere of such an existence.
Therefore, culturally or socially at least, Bangladeshis have no reason to feel next to anybody on earth. Indeed, they have a culture and way of living to be proud of which create the justification for their preservation and nourishment. If the Americans can have their way of life, the British their way and the French their very own, then there is every reason for Bangladeshis to aspire to preserve and promote their way of life and living.
The European renaissance touched the shores of the Indian subcontinent and spread. A similar Bengali renaissance was noted in the nineteenth and twentieth century. Personalities like Rabindranath Tagore, Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Issarchandra Biddayshagar, Jagadish Chndra Basu, Kazi Nazrul Islam and others led this renaissance in thoughts and actions. The awakening in this part of India, then under colonial bondage, inspired Goakhle to make his famous observation : What Bengal thinks today, India thinks tomorrow.
Bangladeshis are a homogenous people. A very important feature of this homogeneity is based on their almost uniform culture and heritage. Occasions such as Pahela Baishak also brings to mind whether the Bengali way of life and living is coming unfairly under an attack from the sleazy forms of alien culture. The enthralling lyrical Bengali songs and music of yesteryears are giving way in some cases to rock bands and Bengali women are seen wearing tight pants in growing number. But the traditional Bengali songs and music are a real pleasure for the ears and the senses and this truth is admitted even by foreigners. Foreigners also say that the sari, when worn properly, is one of the most captivating dresses in the world. When there is so much appreciation for our culture abroad, it is sad that the appeal of it should be eroding among some sections of the present generations of Bangladeshis and their going after sleaze in the name of style or culture.
Bangladeshis need to remember that their social and cultural existence is not inferior to anybody . Therefore, it is not only patriotic but also eminently sensible from the perspective of utility to preserve the same.
The writer is an occasional contributor to theindependent
