Madhu Mela begins in Sagardari today

A weeklong Madhu Mela, marking the 194th birth anniversary of Bengali poet Michael Madhusudan Dutta, will begin at Michael Madhusudan Academy at Sagardari in Keshabpur upazila today. Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Minister of Local Government and Engineering Department will inaugurate the weeklong fair as the chief guest.

Fisheries and Livestock minister Narayan Chandra Chanda, MP, State Minister for Youth and Sports Dr Biern Shikder, MP, State Minister for Public Administration Ismat Ara Sadique, MP, Sheikh Afil Uddin, MP, Md Monirul Islam, Kazi Nabil Ahmed, Ranjit Kumar Roy, Shwapon Bhattacarya, Secretary of Cultural ministry Md Ibrahim Hossain Khan, Khulna Divisional Commissioner Lokman Hossain Miah, Jessore Zilla Parishad Chairman Saifuzzaman Pikul, Jessore Police Super Anisur Rahman, Jessore district AL president Shahidul Islam Milon, GS Shahin Chaklader, Kesharbpur upazila chairman H M Amir Hossain, Keshabpur Municipality Mayor Rafiqul Islam among others will be present in the inaugural program.

Sagardari Union Chairman Mostafizul Islam said, discussions will be held every day where eminent litterateurs, poets, educationists, writers, lyrics and dramatists will participate. The discussion meetings on the life, works and teachings of the great poet will be followed by sessions of recitation, cultural functions, dances and dramas. Reputed singers and vocalists from Dhaka and other parts of the country will participate in the programs.

The weeklong Madhu Mela will also include jatra, circus, puppet show, doll-dance and Kabi gaan. A large number of people from all ages are expected to throng the fair every day. Widely considered one of the greatest poets in Bangla literature and a pioneer of Bangla sonnets, Madhusudan was born at Sagardari village on January 25, 1824.

Keshabpur UNO Md Mizanur Rahman said, the overall preparation has been completed.  Madhusudan began writing while at Hindu College. He drew everyone's attention at a college function in 1834 when he recited a poem that he had composed.

-Ruhul Kuddus, Keshabpur, Jessore