Noted Bangladeshi Sanskrit scholar and Indian classical dance exponent Lubna Marium said the recent political turmoil that has engulfed her country is an indication that people are willing to fight radical forces to keep their unique identity safe.
Marium, the recipient of the first Dr Bhupen Hazarika International Solidarity Award, was in the city recently to receive the award. She said Assam and Bangladesh share a common historic and cultural link and reviving it was very important for both the nations.
“Bangladesh is a moderate country and the people care about their unique culture which is based on diversity. We fought for our identity and we are striving to keep it that way. The need to build bridge between the two countries is vital and much can be achieved through cultural exchanges. The people are liberal and they will fight to keep it that way. There was never any objection with the propagation of Indian dance and other art forms. The country has a unique diversity and is a moderate country,” said Lubna Marium.
Marium, who is also a noted Sanskrit scholar in the region, has many research works to her credit. She is also an expert on the work of Rabindranath Tagore and on Bhupen Hazarika. She stressed on the importance of Sanskrit in modern times. When asked about the broad scope of the language in Bangladesh, she said Sanskrit is taught in all universities of her country.
“Sanskrit was never a spoken language and we have texts that can be researched upon and through which research can be done on a wide variety of aspects. There are so many aspects available in the texts like ayurveda and others. It cannot be a dead language. Sanskrit is taught in all universities of Bangladesh and it needs to be given a new impetus among the younger generation. The texts need to be translated so that they can be made available for the youngsters,” added Marium.
