Jibanananda Das (1899-1954), one of the most celebrated poets in Bengali literature, continues to inspire scholars, artists, and poetry lovers alike. Best known for his introspective, modernist verse, his legacy goes far beyond the 21 novels and 110 short stories discovered after his death. 

This year, Barishal—Jibanananda's birthplace—commemorated the poet's 126th birth anniversary with a series of events that highlighted his enduring impact on both literary and artistic communities.

The celebrations began early Monday, when members of Pragati Lekhak Sangha, along with admirers from various walks of life, gathered at the "Jibanananda Das Smriti Milonayoton and Library" to pay floral tributes. The gathering featured poetry recitations and musical performances, embodying the spirit of Jibanananda's work. The central event of the morning was a discussion on his poetry, chaired by Hasina Begum. Poets Apurba Gautam, Sujoy Sen, and Subhash Das offered their insights, reflecting on the poet's unique literary voice and sharing their own readings of his work.

At 10am, the celebrations moved to Barishal's renowned Government Brojomohun College, where a three-day fair was inaugurated by the institution's principal, Dr Md Tajul Islam. Organised by Uttoron Cultural Organization, the fair was a tribute to the college where Jibanananda once taught, and it featured a range of activities celebrating the poet's contributions to Bengali literature.

An art exhibition titled "Jibanananda Das and Nature" was unveiled later in the day at 11am by poet Arup Talukdar and artist Jagannath De. The exhibition, organised by Charukala Barishal, featured 34 works from 25 artists, showcasing a range of interpretations of Jibanananda's nature-centric poetry through watercolor, pencil, and charcoal mediums.

The lead organiser, artist Tapas Karmakar, remarked on the profound connection between the poet and the artists participating in the exhibition. "Jibanananda Das will live on in the hearts of artists," he said, underlining the cross-disciplinary inspiration that Jibanananda continues to provide.

The day's events underscored Jibanananda's lasting influence not just within the realm of poetry, but across the broader cultural landscape. His work, deeply introspective and marked by a striking visual sensibility, continues to be a wellspring of inspiration for both readers and creators alike.

In Barishal, Jibanananda Das remains not just a poet of the past, but a vital presence in the city's cultural life—a beacon for artists, writers, and lovers of literature.

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