IGCC presents ‘Dhora Taru Kabyo’ inspired by Tagore’s ‘Brikkho Bondona’

DHAKA, Sept 11: The Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre (IGCC) of the High Commission of India in Dhaka presented “Dhora Taru Kabyo – Nature’s Tale,” a dance-theatre production inspired by Kobi Guru Rabindranath Tagore’s celebrated poem Brikkho Bondona (Ode to Trees), highlighting the deep cultural ties between Bangladesh and India and their shared reverence for nature.

The special performance was staged at the Chhayanaut Auditorium in Dhaka on Friday, bringing together dance, music and theatrical expression to explore the enduring relationship between nature, humanity and the environment.

Bangladesh Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury attended the programme as the chief guest.

Speaking on the occasion, the minister highlighted Bangladesh’s rich and diverse cultural heritage and said the government was facilitating the promotion of culture through various initiatives.

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi underscored the strong cultural bonds between the two countries, rooted in their shared heritage, literature and appreciation of nature.

He said the performance served as a reminder of the shared responsibility of people to respect, protect and preserve nature.

The production portrayed the beauty and changing moods of Bengal’s six seasons, taking the audience through the blossoms of spring, the warmth of summer, the rains of monsoon, the abundance of autumn and the stillness of winter.

Through movement, music and theatrical expression, the performance sought to bring Tagore’s profound appreciation of nature to life, while reflecting the resilience and enduring spirit of the natural world.

The production was presented by Turongomi Repertory Dance Theatre, led by its Artistic Director Pooja Sengupta.

Sengupta holds an MS in Physics from the University of Dhaka and an MA in Dance from Rabindra Bharati University, Kolkata, which she completed in 2013 under an ICCR scholarship from the Government of India.

A trained Bharatanatyam dancer, she is known for her distinctive artistic expression and innovative approach to dance education and research. She has presented her works at prominent cultural platforms in Bangladesh and at international festivals and cultural events.

“Dhora Taru Kabyo” offered an artistic interpretation of Tagore’s timeless vision of harmony between human beings and the natural world. It also showcased the richness and versatility of Bangladesh’s contemporary dance tradition.

The programme was attended by Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury, senior officials from Bangladesh’s Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, prominent Rabindra Sangeet practitioners, renowned dancers, cultural enthusiasts, students and young professionals from Dhaka.

The event underscored how Rabindranath Tagore’s literary and artistic legacy continues to serve as a cultural bridge between Bangladesh and India, while also offering a contemporary reflection on humanity’s relationship with nature.