The fishing hamlet of Goailbari in Narail Sadar, where otters assist fishermen in catching fish, turned into a vibrant hub of art and culture as villagers celebrated the 101st birth anniversary of world-renowned painter SM Sultan. For two days, the riverside community experienced an atmosphere of festivity, blending tradition with the spirit of creativity.
The festival began on Friday with a discussion on Sultan’s life, followed by children’s painting competitions, exhibitions, and a film screening on Saturday. The event was organised by Charu Prangan Shilpalay, a local art group founded by filmmaker Samsul Islam Shopon, best known for the documentary Latika. It was supported by the SM Sultan Children’s Arts and Crafts Foundation and Otter Fishing Community Bangladesh.
On Saturday afternoon, the Chitra riverbank offered a striking scene: boats anchored at the ghat, otters resting quietly in cages, and children painting the world around them. Young artists captured dawn skies in fiery reds, golden paddy fields, village homes, sailing boats, and birds soaring across the horizon.
Priyanka Biswas, a third-grader, painted Sultan’s portrait. “It feels wonderful to draw for his birthday,” she said. Another participant, Lekha Biswas, painted a village with houses, river, and boats. “We are all enjoying this together,” she added.
The children were guided by their mentor, artist DD Mollick, a disciple of Sultan. “Sultan always taught that painting cannot grow within four walls. Here, among nature, children can touch leaves and flowers, and their art becomes alive,” he explained.
The artworks were later displayed at Goailbari Government Primary School, attracting villagers and guests. In the evening, a discussion meeting was held, followed by a screening of Adam Surat, the acclaimed documentary on Sultan’s life.
Among the guests were Sheikh Hanif, president of the SM Sultan Children’s Arts and Crafts Foundation; Arifur Rahman Khan, head of IT at Apex; Sashim Kumar Biswas, assistant professor of Narail Abdul Hai City College; Tandra Mukharjee, curator of the SM Sultan Memorial Museum; Md Forhad Hossain, motor vehicle inspector of BRTA Narail; and Md Jahidul Islam, district coordinator of BRAC.
Also present were Charu Prangan Shilpalay’s president Kallayan Kumar Biswas, general secretary Sukanta Kumar Biswas, and member Bishal Biswas. All praised the children’s work, calling it a promise of future talent from the otter-fishing village.
