To commemorate the 200th birth anniversary of the esteemed poet Michael Madhusudan Dutt, a nine-day event titled 'Madhu Mela' is commenced on Friday at the poet's birthplace, Sagardari village, under Keshabpur upazila in Jashore district.
The 'Madhu Mela' is scheduled to run until January 27, as per an official release. Michael Madhusudan Dutt, born on January 25, 1824, to landlord Raj Narayan Dutt and Janhabi Devi at Sagardari village, is celebrated for his contributions to Bengali literature, particularly for his tragic epic 'Meghnad Badh Kavya.'
In recognition of the poet's bicentennial birth anniversary and the staging of the 'Madhu Mela,' Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina conveyed her respects to Michael Madhusudan Dutt in a message. She expressed gratitude to all those involved in organizing the Madhu Mela.
Highlighting the poet's deep patriotism and commitment to his motherland and mother tongue while abroad, the Prime Minister noted that Michael Madhusudan Dutt's devotion serves as a role model for the new generation. She expressed hope that the programs organized in commemoration of his birth anniversary would significantly contribute to introducing the poet's work to the youth.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina wished success for all the programs associated with the fair. Madhusudan Dutt, known as Mahakobi (epic poet), made a substantial impact in Bengali literature, earning recognition as the father of the Bengali sonnet.
He pioneered 'Amitrakshar Chhanda' (blank verse) and demonstrated remarkable skills as a playwright. He was the first to write Bengali plays in the English style, and his satirical plays, including 'Buro Shaliker Ghare Ron' and 'Ekei Ki Boley Sabhyota,' gained acclaim.
Madhusudan's famous sonnet "Kapatakkha Nad" draws inspiration from the Kapatakkha River flowing through Jashore, his ancestral home. The poet, a gifted linguist and polyglot, studied various languages, including Hebrew, Latin, Greek, Tamil, Telugu, and Sanskrit.
Madhusudan Dutt passed away at Kolkata on June 29, 1873, at the age of 49, just three days after the demise of his wife Henrietta. He was laid to rest in Kolkata.