Mridulkanti Chakravarti (left) renders a song at the programme

Amar Shonar Bangla
Ami Tomae Bhalobashi
Chirodin Tomar Akash Tomar Batash
O Ma Amar Praney Bajae Bashi

Needless to say, every Bangalee knows the first 10 lines of this song by heart. For most of us, this is the first song we have to learn. Even those who are not too keen on music are able to render this song. No other patriotic song perhaps captures the essence of Bengal so effortlessly.

Through dire times this song has eased our journey as a nation. Who can forget Zahir Raihan's heartfelt depiction of the song in his movie Jibon Thekey Neya? Amar Shonar Bangla is hence rightfully our National Anthem.

The song was penned by Rabindranath Tagore in 1905, during the Nationalist movement against the British. To celebrate the centennial of composition and the first rendition of the song, The Liberation War Museum in Shegun Bagicha organised a cultural programme on May 19 at the Museum premises.

The programme was initiated by Asaduzzaman Noor, a trustee of the Liberation War Museum. Noor expressed his gratitude at the audience's turnout and interest.

Renowned Tagore exponent and specialist Sanjida Khatun took the podium next. She focused on the social and cultural background of the song. Sanjida said, "During their rule, the British deliberately tried to create a division between Hindus and Muslims. Later on, they even divided Bengal into two factions, West and East Bengal. This phenomenon is popularly known as Banga-Bhongo. Tagore, like many of his contemporaries, could not support the notion of dividing Bengal."

Coincidentally, this was also the time when the Nationalist Movement in the subcontinent was gaining momentum. So, when Tagore composed Amar Shonar Bangla in 1905, it became a source of inspiration for the Bangalees.

"During our Liberation War, this particular song boosted patriotism among our masses, the freedom fighters and anyone who had dreamed of an independent Bangladesh. Thus, the leader of the then newborn Bangaldesh, Sheikh Mujib declared, 'The song that has been an inseparable part of our struggle for freedom, deserves to be our National Anthem.' The song still unites all Bangalees and will continue to do so eternally," said Sanjida.

Eminent artiste and music teacher Dr Mridulkanti Chakravarti focused on the source and significance of the song. He amplified, "During his stay at Shilaidaha, Tagore was deeply influenced by Baul songs. He came across Gagan Horkora, a disciple of Lalon. Gagan's spiritual song Ami Kothae Pabo Tarey made a profound impact on the poet and he composed Amar Shonar Bangla in 1905, based on the tune. The song was rendered at a cultural event on August 7, 1905.

"Throughout the ages, the song had figuratively become a weapon against any oppressor Bangalees faced." Chakravarti rendered the song, Ami Kothae Pabo Tarey, Amar Mon-er Manush Je Rey. Noted artistes Laisa Ahmed Lisa, Tania Mannan and Elora Ahmed Shukla also performed at the event.

The event ended on a positive note that Bangalees would strive relentlessly to uphold national values and Amar Shonar Bangla will always aid us through our journey.