Art & Literature Evening in New York: Shilpakala Academy USA Hosts a Special Cultural Meetup with Dr. Arupratan Chowdhury
Progga News Desk:
Shilpakala Academy USA organized a vibrant and memorable cultural gathering in New York, centered around Ekushey Padak–winning poet, writer, and cultural activist Dr. Arupratan Chowdhury. The event, held on Sunday, November 23 at 7 PM at the Jewish Center in Jackson Heights, drew a large audience of art and literature enthusiasts from the Bangladeshi diaspora.
Syed Mohammadullah, a veteran journalist, attended as the chief guest.
The special guests included Rathindranath Roy, legendary singer of Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra; Mojibur Rahman, attorney and advisor of Shilpakala Academy USA; Professor Husne Ara; former General Secretary of Bangladesh Society Rana Ferdous; cultural personality Saud Chowdhury; and lyricist Mahafuzur Rahman.
The ceremony began with the U.S. and Bangladesh national anthems, followed by a welcome address from Monika Roy Chowdhury, President of Shilpakala Academy USA.
Speakers highlighted that the spirit of the Liberation War is deeply rooted in Bangladesh’s cultural identity. They emphasized that disrespect toward freedom fighters is unacceptable and that promoting Bangladeshi culture abroad is a shared responsibility of the diaspora.
They also noted the importance of engaging second-generation Bangladeshi children with their heritage, stressing that cultural organizations in New York have a major role to play in this effort.
A special segment of the event included New York State Assembly Member Steven Raga, who presented honorary certificates to Dr. Arupratan Chowdhury and Shilpakala Academy USA in recognition of their contributions to Bengali arts and culture.
The cultural performances featured Rathindranath Roy, Dr. Arupratan Chowdhury, Raisi Biswas, Gopal Roy, Konika Das, Milon Kumar Roy, and members of Shilpakala Academy USA.
Source: Sanjibon Kumar
