Cultural organisation Joltorongo hosted an appealing evening of music, poetry, and reflection titled “Phulguli Kothay Gelo” last Thursday at Bishwo Shahitto Kendro, Bangla Motor. The event sought to draw attention to the pressing need for peace in an era marked by conflict, violence, and intolerance.
The programme began with a heartfelt reading of Rabindranath Tagore’s works, including his famous line “Bishwo Jora Aache Shanti'r Bani” (“The world is bound by the message of peace”), highlighting the poet’s timeless advocacy for harmony and human dignity. Speakers emphasised that, despite humanity’s relentless quest for power, it is peace that underpins survival and the flourishing of civilization.
Throughout the evening, Joltorongo artistes offered a series of performances that merged poetry and music, creating a moving call for unity and hope. The repertoire featured Tagore’s “Earth Song”, selections from Shamsur Rahman’s poems, and other classic works promoting peace and human solidarity.
Guest speakers Dr Zahid Hasan and Dr Zakir Hossain Tapan drew on Carl Sagan’s “Pale Blue Dot” philosophy to underscore the fragility of life on Earth and the catastrophic consequences of war and human indifference. Their reflections encouraged the audience to recognise their collective responsibility in nurturing a culture of non-violence.
The evening concluded with interactive reflections from participants and a vote of thanks from the organisers. Audience members engaged actively, sharing thoughts on the importance of compassion, dialogue, and global solidarity.
By combining literary richness with musical expression, “Phulguli Kothay Gelo” reaffirmed Joltorongo’s commitment to fostering social awareness through art, inspiring attendees to advocate for peace and understanding in both local and global contexts.
