A chat on 'Nirbachito Begum'
Sunday, 10 June 2007
Nahid Kaiser Toma
DR. Maleka Begum chats with a few female writers about her seminal work 'Nirbachito Begum: Ordho-shotabdir Shomajchitra (1947-2000)' (Selected Begum: The Social Picture of Half of the Century, 1947-2000). This gigantic work is divided into three volumes. Ornamented by a pregnant introduction by Dr. Anisuzzaman, the collection was published by Pathak Shamabesh in 2006.
Dedicated to Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossen, Mohammad Nasiruddin (founder of the Begum), Sufia Kamal (the first editor of the Begum) and Nurjahan Begum (the present editor of the Begum) this colossal work covers almost all the crucial social, political, economic and cultural aspects on which writers have been writing since 1947 in the Begum.
At first, Dr. Maleka talks about the urge she felt behind doing the work. Since the Begum has been playing a vital role as a mirror that reflects the minds of the century, it can be a source of ideas and information, that is why this collection is called the social picture of half of the century.
Of the three volumes, the first one focuses on writings on women's contributions to the political changes since 1947, language, liberation war, education etc. Besides, it also includes contributions on beauty tips, health tips, sports, seclusion, superstition, social welfare etc.
The second volume focuses on writings on different movements, law, celebrated women, different occupations, different types of oppression and suppression of women and the women's contribution to the arena of art and culture, the last volume concentrates on women's writing on the topics related to their conjugal life's experience, and the crucial issues like dowry, polygamy, early-marriage, family planning, divorce, motherhood etc. It also includes works on children health and education, different steps taken by the government, the contemporary world etc.
This work is, to my thinking, an authentic non-fictional document on and a real witness of the real social picture of the period reflected in the minds of women writers and expressed through their pens.
Dr. Maleka also responds to the question from the audience. This friendly and warm chat is held at the Omni Books in the Zenetic Plaza, Road 27, Dhanmondi. The creative minds behind the event belong to a forum run by female writers and editors led by Professor Niaz Zaman. The afternoon discussion became warmer with the tea and snacks.
DR. Maleka Begum chats with a few female writers about her seminal work 'Nirbachito Begum: Ordho-shotabdir Shomajchitra (1947-2000)' (Selected Begum: The Social Picture of Half of the Century, 1947-2000). This gigantic work is divided into three volumes. Ornamented by a pregnant introduction by Dr. Anisuzzaman, the collection was published by Pathak Shamabesh in 2006.
Dedicated to Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossen, Mohammad Nasiruddin (founder of the Begum), Sufia Kamal (the first editor of the Begum) and Nurjahan Begum (the present editor of the Begum) this colossal work covers almost all the crucial social, political, economic and cultural aspects on which writers have been writing since 1947 in the Begum.
At first, Dr. Maleka talks about the urge she felt behind doing the work. Since the Begum has been playing a vital role as a mirror that reflects the minds of the century, it can be a source of ideas and information, that is why this collection is called the social picture of half of the century.
Of the three volumes, the first one focuses on writings on women's contributions to the political changes since 1947, language, liberation war, education etc. Besides, it also includes contributions on beauty tips, health tips, sports, seclusion, superstition, social welfare etc.
The second volume focuses on writings on different movements, law, celebrated women, different occupations, different types of oppression and suppression of women and the women's contribution to the arena of art and culture, the last volume concentrates on women's writing on the topics related to their conjugal life's experience, and the crucial issues like dowry, polygamy, early-marriage, family planning, divorce, motherhood etc. It also includes works on children health and education, different steps taken by the government, the contemporary world etc.
This work is, to my thinking, an authentic non-fictional document on and a real witness of the real social picture of the period reflected in the minds of women writers and expressed through their pens.
Dr. Maleka also responds to the question from the audience. This friendly and warm chat is held at the Omni Books in the Zenetic Plaza, Road 27, Dhanmondi. The creative minds behind the event belong to a forum run by female writers and editors led by Professor Niaz Zaman. The afternoon discussion became warmer with the tea and snacks.