Information and Broadcasting Adviser Md. Mahfuj Alam was present as the chief guest at the inauguration ceremony of 'Notun Kuri 2025' on August 17. Photo: BSS

By Saiful Islam
 
DHAKA, Aug 22, 2025 (BSS)- Some creations do not simply endure; rather, they become part of a nation's heartbeat, echoing through generations. "Notun Kuri" is one such legacy: not merely a television programme, but also a living archive of dreams, a melody of childhood, and a movement that shaped the cultural soul of Bangladesh.

Once upon a Friday, its name meant joy for every child and teenager across the nation. The familiar chorus: "Amra Notun, Amra Kuri", was more than just a song; it was the anthem of discovery, the doorway to hidden talent.

Now, after nearly two decades of silence, Notun Kuri returns to the screen of Bangladesh Television (BTV), rekindling the excitement, the spirit, and the dream.

With its revival, a fresh breeze flows once more through the cultural landscape of Bangladesh, promising to nurture the voices and talents of a new generation.

From its inaugural year, Notun Kuri sparked widespread enthusiasm across Bangladesh. The voices of children reciting poetry, singing with perfect diction, performing captivating dramas, and dancing with heartfelt grace filled audiences with renewed hope. It was more than a competition; rather, it was the first school of artistry for young dreamers.

The stage of Notun Kuri has introduced countless distinguished artists. Many of today's brightest stars in Bangladeshi drama, music, dance, and culture began their journeys here.

Among them are Nusrat Imrose Tisha, Rumana Rashid Ishita, Kanak Chapa, Shamima Yasmin Diba, Rahat Azim, Azad Rahman Shakil, Azmiri Sultana Holly, Sihan Monirul Hasan, Shahnaz Chowdhury Luna, Rudaba Adnin Kumkum, Meher Afroz Shaon, singer Samina Chowdhury, Hemanti Rakkhit Das, and dancer Chandni, each of whom has proven their talent in music, acting, or dance.

Many now represent Bangladesh's cultural identity on both national and international stages.

After nearly 20 years off the air, Notun Kuri is returning with a modernized format. The country has been divided into 19 regions, each hosting regional selection rounds. Finalists from these rounds will compete in Dhaka. Participants are grouped into two age categories: Group A (6-11 years) and Group B (11-15 years), and may compete in up to three disciplines.

The competition's scope has been expanded to include: patriotic songs, modern songs, Rabindra Sangeet, Nazrul Sangeet, folk music, Hamd-Naat, acting, recitation, storytelling, comedy, general dance, and classical dance. 

Each category will be judged by panels of experienced and renowned experts. The show will be broadcast using modern technology, ensuring that audiences from every corner of the country can witness the creativity of these young talents.

Art and literature shape the soul of a nation, and Notun Kuri has long stood as one of its most vital instruments. More than a platform for nurturing talent, it instils discipline, confidence, and a deep sense of patriotism in children. Through teamwork, respect for others' abilities, and love for their own heritage, young participants learn values that transcend performance.

Experts opined that due to the lack of such platforms in recent years, children are increasingly drawn to alternative entertainment and digital dependency. The revival of Notun Kuri is therefore not merely a return to televised entertainment, it is also a noble initiative to reintroduce the younger generation to meaningful cultural engagement. 

Launched in 1976 through the dedicated efforts of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and cultural visionary Mostafa Monwar, Notun Kuri was named after a poem by Golam Mostafa titled "Kishor". Its mission was clear: to discover gems from remote corners of the country and bring them to a national stage where they could shine in the light of their cultural heritage.

However, in 2006, the programme was abruptly discontinued. Its absence for nearly two decades left a significant void, not only in the cultural sphere but also in the emotional and creative development of children. During this time, no comparable national platform emerged for young artists, and many promising talents faded into silence.

That long wait finally ended on August 17, 2025, with the official relaunch of Notun Kuri 2025. The event was inaugurated by Information and Broadcasting Adviser Md. Mahfuj Alam, who remarked in his opening speech that "Beyond political divisions, this celebration of our art, literature, and culture will nurture creativity in the next generation. It marks the beginning of a new era." 

From the outset, the programme has received an overwhelming response from the public. Waves of nostalgia have swept through social media, with former contestants reminiscing: "Fridays in childhood were defined by Notun Kuri." Another shared, "It was my first time on stage, the place where I found courage." 

Renowned singer Kanak Chapa reflected on her own journey, saying "In 1978, at just seven years old, I participated in Notun Kuri and won first place in patriotic songs. That joy remains one of the most cherished memories of my life." 

She added, "Notun Kuri will once again serve as a platform for children to build dreams, not just for prizes, but for recognition that truly matters."

Azad Rahman Shakil, who won first place in solo acting in 1977 and in rhymed songs in 1978, also shared his memories with BSS and said "The return of Notun Kuri after nearly 20 years brings immense joy to me. This is not just a competition; it is a grand stage for discovering the hidden talents within every child." 

He added, "I was fortunate to rise from this very platform, and I know firsthand how transformative it can be for a child's life and future."

He continued, "Today's children are the torchbearers of tomorrow. Through their dreams, their songs, and their performances, they embody the promise of our nation." 

He ended, saying "I firmly believe that this new chapter of Notun Kuri will once again gift us extraordinary artists who will inspire generations to come."

Describing the revival of Notun Kuri as a "cultural wave", Director General of Bangladesh Television Md. Mahbubul Alam told BSS that "Notun Kuri is not merely a platform; it is a national cultural movement. It will engage children and adolescents across the country in artistic pursuits and help steer them away from excessive digital dependency."

He said Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman elevated Notun Kuri to the national stage. Unfortunately, due to political complications, the programme was discontinued, which is a deeply regrettable outcome, he said. 

"But now, we are moving forward with renewed planning to ensure its regular continuation and to bring forth the talented generation of tomorrow," he added.

The BTV Director General said that ensuring transparency and impartiality in the judging process is a top priority and strict standards are being maintained in the selection of judges. 

Kanak Chapa said, "When art becomes commercialized, it loses its essence. So, in Notun Kuri, merit must be the sole criterion. We must remain vigilant to prevent favouritism."

The programme's goal is not only to produce national-level artists, but also to cultivate culturally conscious individuals across the country, thereby strengthening the nation's cultural foundation.

In its very first edition, over 9,000 young artists from various regions participated. Many of them later became active in local cultural organizations and training centres.

The true success of Notun Kuri lies not just in organizing a competition, but in initiating a broad cultural movement nationwide. It is a process that leaves a lasting impact on national life. When children take the stage, they do more than sing or recite; rather they learn confidence, leadership, patriotism, and teamwork.

Parents, too, are enthusiastic. One parent said, "My child is growing up in a small town. An opportunity to perform on a national stage will bring a transformative change in his life."

The return of Notun Kuri after nearly 20 years is not just a relaunch; it is the rebirth of a legacy. 

In essence, Notun Kuri 2025 is not merely a programme, it is the restoration of a lost tradition. It is a stage where the dreams of the next generation will take flight, allowing each talent to shine on a national level. 

This revival proves that the seeds once sown have not withered, rather they are sprouting anew in the hands of today's youth, ready to bloom in fresh light.

Expressing optimism, the BTV Director General said, "We hope Notun Kuri continues for the next hundred years. Talent must not be lost, it must be nurtured. This program will keep the stream of our cultural heritage flowing."

Today, Notun Kuri stands not just as a show, but as a symbol of national identity. Once again, children's voices echo the familiar song: "Amra Notun, Amra Kuri". This initiative will give birth to the next Kanak Chapa, Tisha, and Ishita, illuminating our cultural landscape with new stars.