State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperative Ministry Swapan Bhattacharya, MP, has said world renowned artist SM Sultan was a non-communal silent man. He left behind a talent for painting. He depicts village and villagers in his paintings, he added. Swapan Bhattacharya said these while addressing as the chief guest at the concluding ceremony of the 12-day long Sultan Mela at the Sultan Manch presmises of Narail Government Victoria College on Monday evening.
Swapan Bhattacharya also said, there has been huge improvement in the country under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. You will be sure that the country is safe in the hands of our Prime Minister. Various plans are being taken to ensure that people can get employment from the village.
At the function, Swapan Bhattacharya handed over Sultan Swarna Padak (gold Medal) to eminent artist and honourary professor of Dhaka University Dr Farida Zaman for her outstanding contribution to art. Sultan Swarna Padak is an annual award given by the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy on the birth anniversary of SM Sultan.
Sultan Swarna Padak recipient Prof Dr Farida Zaman said, "I am very proud for the Sultan Swarna Padak. Sultan is proud of Bengalis," she said. Chairman of Narail Zila Parishad Advocate Shorab Hossain Biswas, Police Super Md. Jashim Uddin, Narail district Awami League president Advocate Subash Chandra Bose and joint secretary of Sultan Foundation Mohammad Hasanuzzaman were present as especial guests in the concluding ceremony.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) and president of SM Sultan foundation Anjuman Ara presided over the concluding session. The 12-day-long Sultan Mela began on January 16 marking 95th birth anniversary of world famous painter SM Sultan. This year’s fair has been dedicated in the name of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
A series of colourful events like-Art Camp held with 20 artists in India, Zimbabwe, Nepal, London and Bangladesh, Art competition, Bull fighting, Lathikhela with varieties of grameen sports, seminar on Sultan's life and works and cultural programmes were arranged during the fair. A total of 100 stalls with traditional textile and cottage industry products set up on the Mela venue.