Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury spoke at the inaugural session of the three-day national programme organised on Friday on the occasion of the 165th birth anniversary of Rabindranath at Shilaidah Kuthibari in Kumarkhali Upazila of Kushtia. Photo: PID

KUSHTIA, May 9, 2026 (BSS) - Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury has said the literature of world poet Rabindranath Tagore is one of the tools to remove darkness from society. 

Nitai said Rabindranath is the ray of sunshine of Bangla literature. Just as the sun removes darkness with its light, Rabindranath has also removed the darkness of consciousness through his timeless literature, he added.

The cultural affairs minister made the remarks while addressing at the inaugural session of the three-day national programme organised on Friday on the occasion of the 165th birth anniversary of Rabindranath at Shilaidah Kuthibari in Kumarkhali Upazila of Kushtia, which is intertwined with the poet's memory. 

The programme was arranged by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and implemented by Kushtia District Administration, a handout said today.

In his speech as the chief guest, Nitai Roy Chowdhury said Rabindranath was a humanist and farmer-friendly personality, while his behaviour with his subjects was very sensitive, which was completely different from the prevailing royal custom. 
Referring to Shilaidah as a living monument of Bangla literature and culture, he announced that his ministry and the tourism ministry would jointly work to develop this Kuthibari as a full-fledged tourist centre.

The programme was presided over by Cultural Affairs Secretary Kaniz Moula, while renowned educationist Professor Dr Wakil Ahmed delivered a commemorative speech titled 'Rabindranath, the Poet of Peace and Humanity'.

Kushtia-1 MP Reza Ahmed Bachchu Mollah, Kushtia-4 MP Md. Afzal Hossain, reserved women's MP Farida Yasmin and police superintendent Mohammad Jasim Uddin also spoke as guests of honour on the occasion. 

Kushtia Deputy Commissioner Md Touhid Bin Hasan gave welcome address.

After the inaugural session, the minister visited the Kuthibari Museum and observed the preserved relics of the poet. Then, a cultural function began with the opening music performed by Kushtia Shilpakala Academy artist Shreha Khatun on the open stage. 

Rabindra Sangeet, poetry recitation, dance and drama have been organised in this three-day festival.