Entertainment Correspondent
Renowned Bangladeshi musicologist, Tagore exponent, and President of ChhayanautSanjidaKhatun (88), one of the cultural personalities of Bangladesh was awarded with the title of 'Padma Shri-2021', the fourth highest civilian honor of the Government of India, on the evening of the country's Republic Day yesterday.
SanjeedaKhatun on receiving the award said, “We work for our own good. Because, it feels good to work. I think the work is our duty which should be done. That's why when a recognition comes, it brings extra joy. Of course it’s my job, but people notice it too, whatever I'm doing. It's a pleasure to see that.”
Expressing gratitude to the Government of India, the President SanjeedaKhatun said, “I have been awarded the Padma Shri, the National Award of India. I am especially grateful for that. I think such a great honour is a special joy for me. Our compatriots are also satisfied with this. I express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone.”
SanjeedaKhatun is simultaneously a RabindraSangeet artist, writer, researcher, organizer, musician and teacher. She is the founding member and current president of Chayanat, one of the leading cultural organizations in Bangladesh and also a founding member of the National RabindraSangeetSammilanParishad. She is the president of Nalanda, a non-traditional children's educational institution as well.
SanjeedaKhatun graduated from Dhaka University in 1954 with honors in Bengali language and literature and in 1955 obtained a master's degree from Visva-Bharati University, Shanti Niketan, India. Later she obtained her PhD degree from the same university in 1978.
One of the organizers of the liberation war, KaziSajjad Ali Zaheer is also receiving the fourth highest civilian award 'Padma Shri-2021' from the government of India.
Since 1954, the Government of India has been giving this honour to special persons for their special contribution in the fields of arts, education, trade, literature, science, sports, social service and government.