Jibanananda Das (1899–1954) is widely revered for his melancholic nature and regarded as the most remarkable poet of post-Tagore Bengali literature.  “His oeuvre is unremittingly autobiographical, narrating desultory journeys into a vulnerable yet stoic, companionless life”.

As part of the celebration of the 121st birthday of the poet, this event renders profound re-interpretation of some of his major works, drawing on analysis by academics from both Bangladesh and India.

The event features a prominent scholar of Bengali literature from India, the former vice chancellor of Assam University Professor Dr Tapodhir Bhattacharjee, a renowned Jibanananda researcher Dr Swapna Bhattacharjee and the chairman of Bengali literature of Dhaka University, Professor Dr Bhismadeb Chouddhury.

Entirely new compositions based on Jibanananda Das’ moving lyrics will be performed by the extremely talented semi-classical singer Amith Dey,  one of the best versatile Bengali singers here in the UK, Srimati Gouri Choudhury and a prominent Tagore singer Sri Sanjoy Dey and others.

Visual interpretation of Jibanananda Das’ haunting verses will be presented by Sharmishtha Pandit, Indrani Esha Chakravarty Bhacharjee, Ishita Bhattacharya and other prominent classical dancers.

Curated by poet Ahmed Kaysher, the event will shed a new light on his phenomenal works and his suicidal nature, captured through music and dance. The event will be narrated in English.