Bengali Association of Singapore has organized various programmes for
the current year. I will give you the glimpses of programmes and
performances by our members, as well as, renowned artists from Kolkata.
Swaraswati Pujo
The first programme organised by the newly elected Management Committee
for the year 2004-2005 was “Saraswati Pujo” held on Sunday.13th
February, at Khalsa Association. Pujo was performed in the morning by
our member, Mr. Debabrata Chakraborty, followed by “Pushpanjali” and
then by “Hathe Khori” for our young members. The cultural programme,
directed by Mr Sandeep Chatterjee, was a beautiful blend of individual
and group songs, and dances.
Cricket Match
A cricket match, coordinated by Mr Preetam Bose, was held on Sunday,
20th March, at the Singapore Indian Association.. In the clash of the
Bengal Tigers & Cubs between the Red Team headed by Mr. Somesh
Rakshit & the Blue Team headed by Mr. Sanjay Banerjee, the Red Team
emerged the winner. On the same day, 19 members’ kids also participated
in the “Sit N Draw” Competition, organised by Ms. Hena Roy. The day
ended with a tasty North Indian cuisine.
Nababarsha
Nababarsha was celebrated at the Singapore Polytechnic Auditorium on
Saturday, 23rd April. This was one of the biggest cultural programme in
the history of the Bengali Association in Singapore. An overwhelming
number of 520 members and guests attended the event: “Shri Srikanto
Acharya – Live in Singapore.” Srikanto Acharya, currently the most
popular name in Bengali musical scene, sings primarily contemporary
Bengali songs, reflecting the ethos of his times, as well as, those of
the rich musical heritage of the past. The audience was exposed to some
very good Rabindrasangeet, modern Bengali songs and some beautiful
compositions from his latest albums.
Bangla Natok or “Drama”
The next programme was “Drama” or “Bangla Natok”, held on Sunday, 26th
June, at Singapore Repertory Theatre. The drama broke records on 3
fronts, as being the first time when 2 plays were presented on a drama
night, that food was provided, and that the drama turnout was the
highest in the history of the Bengali Association. Since the previous
years’s play had no scope for female characters, Kaloho Kirtan”, an all
female play, was selected this year, to provide the female members an
opportunity to act. “Mouchak”, was the 2nd play. Both plays were
skillfully directed by Mr. Nikhilesh Gupta. The dramas had a record
turnout of 333 members and guests. Another first for the drama was the
high tea. The children and adults alike had a hilarious evening and
witnessed some stunning performances by our members.
Rabindra Nazrul Sandhya
Rabindra-Nazrul Sandhya has been organized to celebrate birthdays of
Rabindranath Tagore & Kaji Najrul Islam. It was held on Saturday,
6th August, at Singapore Polytechnic Auditorium. We presented the
“Janai Pronam Kobitay & Kucho-kachader Rabindra-Nazrul”, where
there were recitation, songs and dances by a large number of children
and adults. The costumes were beautiful and members displayed their
immense talents. At the end of the programme, there was a prize
presentation for the “Sit N Draw” winners, and dinner for the 380
members and guests. The programme was coordinated by Mr. Debashis
Tarafdar.
Reception of Honorable Speaker of Lok Sabha
The Committee arranged a tea reception for the Speaker of Lok Sabha,
Sri Somnath Chatterjee, on Saturday, 9th April at Tanglin Club. The
other distinguished guests were Mrs. Chatterjee, delegates from Lok
Sabha, His Excellency Mr. Alok Prasad, High Commissioner of India, and
other officials from the Indian High Commission. In total, almost 50
were present and had a lively discussion with Mr. Chatterjee and
others. The programme, preceded by high tea, was coordinated by Mr.
Gautam De.
Reception of Honorable Chief Minister of West Bengal
The Management Committee organised a reception for the Honourable Chief
Minister of West Bengal, Mr. Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee and some
distinguished industrialists, who accompanied him on his Singapore and
Indonesia Business tour. The High Commissioner of India, His
Excellency, Mr. Alok Prasad, and other Indian High Commission
officials, and many media members was also present at this event. It
was held on Tuesday, 23rd August at Tanglin Club. Journalists from
well-known newspapers, like “Sangbad Pratdin”, “Aajkaal” and
“Ganashakti,” who covered the function publicised the activities of our
association, our annual publication Milon and also wrote on Bengalis in
Singapore. The television news channel, “STAR ANONDO”, telecasted the
event in West Bengal. A total of about 100 members and guests attended
the reception.
We will also be Celebrating Durga Puja & Lakshmi Puja. Watch out for Details.
|
Articles 
