Evoking the power of tradition, cultural performances of folk music remind us of who we are and where we come from. It is not just entertainment, but a bridge that connects generations and communities through shared stories of beliefs, hardships, simplicity, friendship, and family. And paying tribute to our own heritage, the Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP) and their Cultural Forum (BUPCF) organized one of their flagship events, the Folk Fest 2024, showcasing folk musical and dance performances by young talented students. On the 4th of May 2024, the event, featuring categories of folk music in Lalon/Hason and Polligeeti, as well as folk dance, hosted 10 local private and public institutions of higher education, including the American International University – Bangladesh (AIUB).
Participants from the AIUB Performing Arts Club (APAC) emerged as the Champions in the Singing – Lalon/Hasan category. APAC mesmerized the audience with their rendition of lalongeeti, “Barir Kache Arshinagar”, and even with their cover of the polligeeti “Kulhara Kolonkini” and their dance performance on a mashup of various popular folk songs, reverberating in essence of local Bengali culture through their dedication and passion for music. Once again, they let their souls play and set a competitive benchmark for the program. The ambience of festivity created by their performances was apparent amongst the audience, who swayed and cheered with the resonating rhythms. Their encore applause echoing throughout the BUP campus was a testament to the impact APAC’s captivating performance of the renowned Bengali folk songs that paid tribute to our heritage. Together with the performances from the students of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Maritime University (BSMRMU), BGMEA University of Fashion & Technology (BUFT), Daffodil International University (DIU), Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB), Proyash Institute of Special Education and Research (PISER), Southeast University (SU), United International University (UIU), University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB), along with that of BUP and AIUB, created a beautiful symphony of the unifying power of music.
As these institutions shared the stage, they celebrated our own cultural heritage of folk traditions, weaving a richer tapestry of diversity. Such initiatives foster not only mutual understanding as a community, but also a deeper appreciation for the creative expressions of performance arts. AIUB has always promoted, encouraged, and supported the collaborative spirit of today’s youth who respect their roots and inspire future generations, and APAC’s commendable achievement is a true example of nurturing talent and pursuing passion to succeed in the long run.
Partnerships
