Bengali International Literary Society (BILS) Hosts Grand Literary Gathering in Monsey
Progga News Desk, Monsey, New York | November 9, 2025:
The Bengali International Literary Society (BILS), a U.S.-based nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting Bengali literature and culture, held a special literary and cultural gathering on Sunday, November 9, 2025, in Monsey, New York.
Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Farmside House, where autumn leaves painted the surroundings in warm shades of yellow, red, and orange, the event began with a health-conscious, delicious lunch served with elegant stoneware and fine China—creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a luxury resort.
The program opened with a welcome address by Dr. Dhanonjoy Saha, Founder and President of BILS. In his remarks, Dr. Saha introduced a distinguished lineup of poets, authors, and community leaders from India, the United Kingdom, the United States, and South Africa.
Among the honored guests was David Lee Morgan, a noted poet from London, UK, and Ustad Kamal Sabri from Mumbi, India. Community leaders in attendance among others included Dr. Kausik Kar (Goldens Bridge, NY), Ashvini Persaud (Queens, NY), Gyana Mella (Spring Valley, NY), Ora Sucov (Monsey, NY), and Thokozani Ndaba (Johannesburg, South Africa). The featured authors were Sanghamitra Bhattacharya (Livingston, NJ), Faqir Elias, Farhana Elias Tuli, Suma Rozario, Nilufar Zarin, and Ashvini Persaud all from Queens, NY. Additional readings were presented by Ishrat Bokhari (Monsey, NY) and Pinky Chaudhury (Dix Hills, NY), and Mun Mun Saha (Queens, NY).
Ms. Ashvini Persaud shared details of her initiative to establish a Sari Museum in New York, inviting attendees to donate culturally inspired saris for the project. Her poem on the theme of the sari captivated the audience with its evocative imagery and emotional depth.
All authors read their own poems and recited other’s poems as well. Ishrat Bokhari recited Dhanonjoy Saha’s Poem Shuno, while Dhanonjoy Saha read his English poem, My Love for All. Munmun Saha recited Kaise Ahmed’s Kustho Bedhi and captured the hearts of the audience.
Guest poet David Lee Morgan enthralled the audience with his English translation of Kazi Nazrul Islam’s iconic poem Bidrohi (The Rebel). The audience responded with enthusiastic applause, moved by his passionate rendition. The original Bengali version was later performed by the esteemed anchor, artist, and a teacher at the Bangladesh Institute of Performing Arts (BIPA) in Queens, NY, Nilufar Zarin, whose powerful recitation deeply resonated with the audience.
Poet Sanghamitra Bhattacharya presented selections from renowned Bengali poets, Nirmalendu Gun and Sunil Gangopadhay, while American singer Andrew Shantz (Paterson, NJ) impressed attendees with his flawless Bengali pronunciation as he sang Kazi Nazrul Islam’s Sukno Patar Nupur Paye…. Dr. Shewli Roy followed with a soulful rendition of Ami Jar Nupurer Shondo…. The musical performances created a heartfelt tribute to Kazi Nazrul Islam, setting a tone of reverence and unity.
The evening’s highlight included a mesmerizing performance by Ustad Kamal Sabri, the renowned Indian maestro, who performed Bhupen Hazarikar’s Ke Jai Re… on the sarangi, earning thunderous applause.
David Lee Morgan also presented his original works—Uncle Tom’s War, Haiti, and The Whipping Machine—in a powerful 50-minute session that left the audience spellbound.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by BILS’ advisor, Dr. Animita Saha. In her closing remarks, she expressed heartfelt gratitude to all participants, emphasizing that BILS continues to serve as a vibrant global platform for promoting Bengali literature, culture, and creativity, connecting artists and writers across continents through a shared heritage.
Dr. Saha extended special appreciation to David Lee Morgan, Ustad Kamal Sabri, and Andrew Shantz for their inspiring performances, as well as to all guests and contributors especially the Spanish writer at attendance, Iris Tejeda whose talents and interactions made the gathering a memorable success.
The 4-hour program ended on a high note, with participants and guests expressing enthusiasm for future events. Numerous participants expressed their enthusiasm regarding their anticipated attendance at the forthcoming 4th Rockland Retreat and Book Fair at Chestnut Ridge, NY which is scheduled to take place on July 25–26, 2026.
