বাংলা 
English 
A person's identity lies in humanity; man's liberation lies in self-realisation — this eternal truth has surfaced again and again in the songs and philosophy of Baul Samrat Fakir Lalon Shah. The lesson Lalon left of seeing man as man, rising above caste, religious divide and narrowness, remains equally relevant today.
Culture Minister Advocate Nitai Ray Chowdhury has called for embracing in life Lalon's humanist philosophy and non-communal spirit. Speaking as chief guest at the inaugural event of the three-day discussion meeting and Lalon mela on the occasion of Lalon Shah's 136th Tirodhan Dibas at Lalon's open stage in Cheuria, Kushtia, on Saturday (17 October) afternoon, Minister Nitai Ray Chowdhury said, Lalon is not confined within devotion and reverence; he is a unique pathfinder of humanity. His songs, words and sayings carry the lessons of living beautifully and of the welfare of the individual and society.
The culture minister said that at present the practice of Lalon needs to be strengthened further. If Lalon's teachings, initiation and humanist philosophy can be applied in real life, society will benefit. He pledged to take necessary initiatives for the development of the Lalon Academy. At the same time, thanking and congratulating the organisers, he also spoke of plans to hold larger events around Lalon in the future.
On the occasion of Lalon's Tirodhan Dibas, sages, Bauls, devotees and visitors began gathering at the Akhra-bari in Cheuria from Saturday morning. Along with people from different parts of the country, foreign tourists were also seen present. Alongside the discussion meeting, Lalon songs were performed by senior artistes. The Akhra-bari resounded with melodies of song all night. Lalon's spiritual sadhana, love for mankind and the message of self-searching spread among the devotees through music.
Stage of the discussion meeting held at the Cheuria Akhra-bari on the occasion of Lalon Shah's 136th Tirodhan Dibas.
Under the chairmanship of Kushtia's District Administrator and president of the Lalon Academy Md. Tawhid Bin Hasan, the special guest at the inaugural event was Dr. Jahed Ur Rahman, adviser to the Ministry of Cultural Affairs. He said, Lalon's philosophy is extremely necessary for today's world. In recent times conflicts of various kinds centred on identity have arisen in the world. People are bringing their own identity forward and getting entangled in conflict — whether one is white or black, Muslim or Hindu, Jew or Muslim. In this situation Lalon's philosophy is unique. He added that Fakir Lalon stood firmly against every kind of discrimination, including caste, religion and gender. That is why Lalon can work precisely at the point for which the world is now becoming restless.
The main discussant was essayist Professor Dr. Rashidun Nabi. Speaking as special discussants were Kushtia-1 constituency member of parliament Reza Ahmed, reserved women's seat member of parliament Mosa. Farida Yasmin, additional secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs AKM Abdullah Khan, Superintendent of Police Md. Aminul Islam, and Bir Muktijoddha Syed Mehedi Ahmed Rumi, former member of parliament for Kushtia-4. The welcome address was given by Lalon sage Hridoy Shah and Miss Asma Khanam.
Speeches on Lalon's open stage at the inaugural event.
On the spot it is seen that in the courtyard of the Akhra-bari, Baul devotees and followers have pitched tents and set up their camps. The Bauls stationed in these separate camps are singing the songs composed by Lalon Sai to the accompaniment of various instruments, including the ektara and dotara. Cultural events are under way on the stage built to the south of the field on the bank of the Kali river, and to the north sits the mela. Shopkeepers have laid out wares of various goods. Buying and selling is going on. Besides, under the open shed beside Lalon Shah's shrine too have sat devotees and followers who have come from far and near. There too Lalon's songs are being sung; discussions are being held on the immortal sayings of Fakir Lalon. Lalon follower Momin Sadhu, who came from Comilla, said, I come here mainly to practise Saiji's inner message in a quiet environment, to energise the devotees and to exchange feelings with one another. Asked why he comes and what he has gained, Anan Fakir (45), who came from Belkuchi in Sirajganj, burst into song, “Man bhojle sonar manush hobi” (Serve man and you will become a golden man). He said, “Nobody needs to invite you here. No money is needed either. One comes running pulled by the love of Saiji. One preaches Saiji's message of the religion of man.” Elderly fakir Abdur Razzak Shah said, the message of humanity and non-communalism that Lalon Saiji preached still flows like a stream of nectar. Salamat Sardar, a kalai-ruti trader from Chapai Nawabganj, said, I have been doing the Lalon mela for 26 years. Last time the profit was good. This time too sales are good. But the ground rent is almost 20 thousand taka more than last year. Since the first of Kartik in the Bangla year 1297, when the famed sage of the subcontinent Baul Fakir Lalon Shah gave up his body, the Lalon Academy and the district administration have been holding such events in his memory. District Administrator and president of the Lalon Academy Md. Tawhid Bin Hasan said, the three-day discussion meeting, cultural events and Lalon mela have begun. Security arrangements have been strengthened in the Akhra-bari, its grounds and the surrounding areas. To avoid any untoward incident, a sufficient number of law-enforcement personnel are on duty. On the occasion of the three-day events and the rural mela of the 136th Tirodhan Dibas of the spiritual sage Fakir Lalon Sai, the Akhra-bari grounds are already resounding with the footsteps of Lalon devotees, follower Bauls, fakirs, sages and visitors. Round-the-clock exchange of feelings between guru and disciple and their dwelling together are going on. Akhra-bari khadem Mohammad Ali Shah said that this sadhu-sangha will end with the morning service on Sunday and the full assembly at noon. He said, as every year, this time too, on Saiji's Tirodhan Dibas, countless devotees have come running from far and near drawn by the pull of affection. The second day's discussion meeting will be held at the Lalon mazar stage at 7 in the evening. The chief guest will be Khulna Divisional Commissioner Md. Abdullah Harun. As honoured guest will be poet, writer and thinker Farhad Mazhar. The main discussant will be researcher Dr. Sheikh Khalid Hasan. Present as special guests will be Khulna Range DIG Mohammad Rezaul Karim, Superintendent of Police Mohammad Aminul Islam, commanding officer of 47 BGB Lieutenant Colonel Rashed Kamal Roni, District Council administrator and Bir Muktijoddha Principal Sohrab Uddin, and convener of district BNP Kutubuddin Ahmed. Speaking as discussant will be Professor Dr. Rashiduzzaman of the Bangla department of Islamic University. The welcome address will be given by Kumarkhali Upazila Nirbahi Officer Navid Sarwar. The chair will be taken by District Administrator Tawhid Bin Hasan.
News source: Andoloner Bazar
