ছায়ানট সংস্কৄতি - ভবন (Chhayanaut Cultural - Center)

The house of music
Chhayanat Sangskritik Bhaban inaugurated
Karim Waheed

Chhayanat, one of the leading music schools in the country, has been associated with nurturing the Bengali cultural and musical heritage since its inception. Yesterday was a landmark for the school as the Chhayanat Sangskritik Bhaban at Dhanmondi (on Rd 15A) was inaugurated.
It was a big day for the school's teachers, current students, former students who went on to become prominent artistes of the country and enthusiasts of our traditional culture; Chhayanat's house of music was open to all.
In 1961 under the regime of the Pakistani government that was not a fan of anything to do with Bengali culture, a group of cultural activists gathered up the courage to celebrate the birth centennial of Rabindranath Tagore. The group that included Begum Sufia Kamal, Mokhlesur Rahman Sidhu, Shamsunnahar Rahman, Ahmedur Rahman, Mizanur Rahman, Saifuddin Ahmed, Saidul Hasan, Wahidul Haq and Sanjida Khatun, felt the urgency of a new and progressive cultural organisation. Chhayanat is the outcome of the initiative. Sufia Kamal was the founder president of the organisation.
Chhayanat Sangeet Vidyayatan was established on Pahela Baishakh (first day of the Bangla year), 1963. Initially the school offered courses in Tagore and Nazrul songs, classical and instrumental music. Dance and folk music courses were later included. The following year, under the guidance of Sanjida Khatun, Pahela Baishakh was celebrated with a grand musical soiree at Ramna Batomul. Over the years, the musical programme has attained mass popularity to the extent that it has become synonymous with Pahela Baishakh celebration to many urbanites.
In addition to observing birth and death anniversaries of Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam, the school also celebrates seasonal festivals such as Pahela Falgun (Spring Festival), Borsha Baran (Ushering the rainy season) and Sharadiyo Utshab (Autumn Festival).
The school has faced various obstacles. It has had to shift from one location to another -- including Bangla Academy, Agrani Girls' High School and Dhaka University Laboratory School -- over the years.
In 2001, the then housing and public works ministry allotted a one-bigha land on Road 15A, Dhanmondi to Chhayanat for the Sangskritik Bhaban. Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk) approved the architectural plan of the building, prepared by Bashirul Haq in May 2002. However, in September that year, Rajuk issued a notice ordering Chhayanat to suspend construction work for not maintaining Rajuk's code in the plan.
With the delay the construction costs were mounting. Funds were raised through cultural programmes and contributions from well wishers. The Daily Star and Prothom Alo helped by publishing an appeal.
Eventually, overcoming the odds, the construction resumed and after over four decades of its being, Chhayanat finally has its own building without any financial assistance from the government or foreign aid.
Artist and widow of Shah ASM Kibria, Asma Kibria inaugurated the building. President of Chhayanat, Sanjida Khatun recalled ASM Kibria's endeavours for the school's new building.
During her speech, Sanjida Khatun also reminisced on Chhayanat students and artistes' association with the Liberation War. According to her, "During the war, a group of Chhayanat artistes went from camp to camp and sung to the refugees and freedom fighters to boost their morale."
"I must mention the individuals who had made immense contribution to Chhayanat -- Sufia Kamal, Mokhlesur Rahman, Ahmedur Rahman, Ziaul Haq Tulu, Hosne Ara, AKM Ziauddin, Dr Noorunnahar Fyzennessa, Altaf Mahmud, Mithun De, Abdul Ahad, Sheikh Lutfur Rahman, Anjali Roy and many others. Chhayanat will continue its efforts to uphold, promote and project our culture and heritage," she added.
A daylong cultural programme was held on the occasion. Students and teachers of Chhayanat performed Tagore, Nazrul and folk songs, classical music and dance in the morning and evening session.
A book titled Sthir Prottoye Jatra, featuring reminiscence by personalities closely associated with the school, was launched at the event.
Here's to the school that has given us much to cherish. On the course of grooming new talents, may the house of music thrive.