Cultural fraternity bids tearful adieu to Sanjida Khatun

Two years ago, Sanjida Khatun came to Chhayanaut in a wheelchair for an event celebrating her 90th birthday.
This time, a sombre mood pervaded her beloved institution as she returned for the last time.
Tearful colleagues, students, and fellow cultural figures surrounded her body as songs of Rabindranath Tagore and Lalon -- the music that had been her lifelong companion in shaping and nurturing Bengali culture -- filled the air, reports bdnews24.com.
As a founding member and the last president of Chhayanaut, Sanjida was mourned by artists, cultural activists, and admirers from all walks of life. From early Wednesday morning, people gathered at Chhayanaut to pay their final respects. The line of mourners stretched past the building, reaching Dhanmondi 27.

Aroma Dutta, former MP and granddaughter of martyred intellectual Dhirendranath Dutta, said:Sanjida Khatun, the revered nonagenarian and cultural luminary, passed away on Mar 25.
"Sanjida Khatun dedicated her entire life to Bengali culture. She worked to elevate the Bengali identity across the world. She illuminated the path of our cultural heritage, and we have all been touched by that light."
Respected as a legend in Bangladesh's cultural sphere, Sanjida defied labels. She was an artiste, writer, researcher, organiser, musicologist, and teacher. She left her mark in every role she took on. Sanjida passed away while undergoing treatment at Dhaka's Square Hospital on Tuesday. She was 91.
Cultural activist Ramendu Majumdar said, "Sanjida Khatun lived a vibrant life. She worked to promote pure music throughout the country and contributed immensely to the growth of Bengali culture. Anyone who came in contact with her felt enriched."
Artistes and members from Chhayanaut, Nalonda, Kanthashilon and nearly every major cultural organisation in the country came to pay their final respects.
People from up and down Bangladesh gathered to bid a heartfelt farewell to the beloved icon of Bengali culture.