বাংলা 
English 
Mankind's identity lies in humanity, and man's liberation in self-realisation — this eternal truth echoes again and again in the songs and philosophy of Baul Samrat Fakir Lalon Shah. The lesson Lalon left behind — to see every person as a human being, rising above caste, religious divides and narrow-mindedness — remains just as relevant today.
Cultural Affairs Minister Advocate Nitai Roy Chowdhury has called for embracing his humanistic philosophy and non-communal spirit in life. Speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural session of the three-day discussion meeting and Lalon Mela organised on Lalon's open stage at Cheuria in Kushtia on Saturday (17 October) afternoon on the occasion of Lalon Shah's 136th Tirodhan Dibas, Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury said Lalon was not confined within devotion and reverence alone; he was a unique guide of humanity. His songs, words and teachings carry the lessons of living a beautiful life and of the welfare of the individual and society.
The Cultural Affairs Minister said Lalon's practice needs to be strengthened further in the present time. If Lalon's teachings, spiritual guidance and humanistic philosophy can be applied in real life, society will benefit. He pledged to take the necessary initiatives for the development of the Lalon Academy. Thanking and congratulating the organisers, he also spoke of plans to hold events centring Lalon on an even larger scale in the future.
On the occasion of Lalon's Tirodhan Dibas, sadhaks, bauls, devotees and visitors began pouring into the akhrabari at Cheuria from Saturday morning. Alongside people from different parts of the country, foreign tourists were also seen. Along with the discussion meeting, senior artistes presented Lalon songs. The akhrabari resounded with music all night. Lalon's spiritual pursuit, love for mankind and the message of self-searching spread among devotees through the songs.
The stage of the discussion meeting held at the Cheuria akhrabari on the occasion of Lalon Shah's 136th Tirodhan Dibas. Photo: Andoloner Bazar
The inaugural session was presided over by Kushtia Deputy Commissioner and president of the Lalon Academy Md Tawhid Bin Hasan. Cultural Affairs Ministry adviser Dr Jahed Ur Rahman attended it as a special guest. He said Lalon's philosophy is extremely important for today's world. In recent times, various identity-based conflicts have emerged across the globe. People are dragging themselves into conflict by putting their own identities forward — white or black, Muslim or Hindu, Jewish or Muslim. In this situation, Lalon's philosophy is unique. He further said Fakir Lalon stood firmly against all forms of discrimination, including caste, religion and gender. So Lalon can work exactly where the world is becoming restless.
The key speaker at the session was essayist Professor Dr Rashidun Nabi. Special addresses were delivered by Kushtia-1 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 former Kushtia-4 member of parliament and Bir Muktijoddha Syed Mehedi Ahmed Rumi. Welcome addresses were given by Lalon sadhak Hridoy Shah and Miss Asma Khanam.
Addressing from Lalon's open stage at the inaugural session. Photo: Andoloner Bazar
On the ground, baul devotees have pitched tents in the courtyard of the akhrabari and set up their ashtanas. Seated in these separate ashtanas, the bauls keep singing Lalon Saiji's compositions to the tunes of the ektaara, dotara and other instruments. Cultural programmes are running on a stage built on the southern side of the field by the Kali river, while the fair sits to the north. Shopkeepers have laid out a wide array of goods and buying and selling is in full swing. Besides, devotees and followers from distant places have also taken seats under the open shed beside Lalon Shah's shrine; Lalon's songs are being sung there too, and discussions are going on about Fakir Lalon's immortal sayings. Momin Sadhu, a Lalon follower who came from Cumilla, said he comes here mainly to practise Saiji's profound message in a quiet environment, to inspire devotees and to exchange views with one another. Asked why he comes and what he has gained, Anan Fakir (45) from Belkuchi in Sirajganj broke into the song "Manush Bhojle Sonar Manush Hobey". He said, 'No one has to be invited to come here. Nor does anyone have to pay. People rush here drawn by Saiji's love and preach Saiji's message of humanism.' Elderly fakir Abdur Rajjak Shah said the message of humanity and non-communalism that Lalon Saiji preached still flows like an ever-running stream. Salamat Sardar, a bread trader from Kalai in Chapainawabganj, said he has been running a stall at the Lalon Mela for 26 years. Last year brought good profit and business is good this year too, though the stall rent is about Tk 20,000 higher than last year. Since Baul Fakir Lalon Shah, a renowned sadhak of the subcontinent, passed away on the first of Kartik in the Bangla year 1297, the Lalon Academy and the district administration have been organising the event in his memory. Deputy Commissioner and Lalon Academy president Md Tawhid Bin Hasan said the three-day discussion meeting, cultural programmes and Lalon Mela have begun. Security has been tightened in the akhrabari premises and the surrounding areas. Adequate members of the law-enforcement agencies are on duty to avert any untoward incident. On the occasion of the three-day programmes and the rural fair of Fakir Lalon Saiji's 136th Tirodhan Dibas, the akhrabari courtyard now resounds with the footsteps of Lalon devotees, follower bauls, fakirs, sadhus and visitors. The guru-disciple exchange of feelings and communion continue round the clock. Mohammad Ali Shah, khadem of the akhrabari, said this sadhusanga will come to an end on Sunday morning with balyaseba and the full session at noon. He said, as every year, countless devotees have rushed here from far and wide on Saiji's Tirodhan Dibas, drawn by affection. The second day's discussion meeting will be held at the Lalon Mazar stage at 7pm. Khulna Divisional Commissioner Md Abdullah Harun will be present as chief guest; poet, writer and thinker Farhad Mazhar as honoured guest; and researcher Dr Sheikh Khalid Hasan as key speaker. DIG of Khulna Range Mohammad Rezaul Karim, Superintendent of Police Mohammad Aminul Islam, commanding officer of 47 BGB Lieutenant Colonel Rashed Kamal Rony, district council administrator and Bir Muktijoddha Principal Sohrab Uddin, and district BNP convener Kutub Uddin Ahmed will be present as special guests. Professor Dr Rashiduzzaman of the Bengali department of Islamic University will speak as a discussant, Kumarkhali Upazila Nirbahi Officer Navid Sarwar will deliver the welcome address, and Deputy Commissioner Tawhid Bin Hasan will preside.
Source: Andoloner Bazar
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