In poetry recitations, not only are the words used to give a meaning to the poem, but the voice, volume, inflexion, pitch, pauses and speed of the person reciting it contributes to the entire listening experience as well, enhancing the meaning of the poem.

So, proper pronunciation is necessary for poetry recitation. Proper pronunciation, verbal transcendence, presentation and recitation practice inspire cultural consciousness in a student. To develop phonemic awareness and self-expression there is no alternative to acquire these skills. These skills have prepositioning contribution to change a society. Comilla University’s recital organisation ‘Anuprash -Kantha Charcha Kendra (voice training centre)’ is such an organisation which works with these skills.

A group of young and enthusiastic students of Comilla University took the initiative on February 14, 2013 to launch the recital organisation. The organisation works on standardising Bengali pronunciation, verbal progression and recitation, and developing organisational skills and proper presentation.

Every year, Anuprash celebrates ‘organisational week’ to sign up new members. At every cultural event of the university, the organisation performs successfully. It also arranges workshops on recitation every year to train new members and gives them certificates. This year, the fourth workshop was held.

Describing the objectives of Anuprash, general secretary Alauddin Biswas said: “We are working to uphold Comilla University in the national arena by practising traditional culture. Anuprash is the name of a cultural movement. The movement is for spreading every word of downtrodden people and become a voice in the nation’s important moments.”

Anwar Hossain, president of the organisation, added: “Anuprash helps the students to develop a cultural mind. For the students, practising recitation is a significant medium of sound entertainment and cultural awareness. Anuprash makes people conscious about our Liberation War, patriotism and deconstruction of society. Every year, we need funds for arranging workshops and daily programmes. If we get enough assistance from the university, then we will be able to continue our recitation practice strongly.”

The writer is a student of English

at Comilla University.