Narail Sadar Correspondent 

The 31st death anniversary of world-renowned painter S.M. Sultan was celebrated with various programs on Friday  organized by the district administration and S.M. Sultan Memorial Museum.

This special program was organized to pay deep respect to artist S.M. Sultan and to keep the memory of his artwork alive.  The program included recitation of the Holy Quran, children's painting competition, paying homage at the artist's tomb and a special prayer meeting. In addition, an exhibition of children's paintings from Shishuswarg and finally an award distribution and discussion meeting were held. Present at all these programs were Deputy Commissioner Sharmin Akhter Jahan, District Council Chief Executive Officer Md. Asaduzzaman, Police Superintendent Rabiul Islam, Deputy Director of Local Government Julia Sukayna, Additional Deputy Commissioner Sarbik Lincoln Biswas, District BNP General Secretary Alhaj Monirul Islam, former Member Secretary of SM Sultan Foundation Adv.  Iqbal Hossain Sikder, Narail Press Club President S.M. Abdul Haque, General Secretary Mahbubur Rashid Lablu, Jamaat leader Hemayetul Haque, NPP Narail President Sharif Munir Hossain, among others.

Artist S.M. Sultan, through his artwork, has gained recognition worldwide for capturing the strength, beauty and struggle of the hardworking people of rural Bengal. The 'Shishuswarg' institution, located in the village of Machimdia in Narail town, his birthplace, is a unique place for children to practice art and culture.

 He breathed his last on October 10, 1994, and every year on this day, the district administration, Sultan Foundation, and various cultural organizations organize various events to pay tribute to him. 

In addition to painting, Sultan could play the flute. He was often seen with the flute in his hand. He kept snakes, bears, monkeys, rabbits, raccoons, mynas, guinea pigs, muniyas, and bulls, as well as various animals and birds. He established a mini zoo at home.  He was also able to tame wild animals.

Painter S. M. Sultan received the Ekushey Medal in 1982 and the Independence Medal in 1993. He was also recognized as the Resident Artist of the Bangladesh Government in 1984 and the Bangladesh Artist of the Year in 1986.

The S. M. Sultan Memorial Museum was  built in Sultan's own house to preserve his memory.  On October 10, 1994, Chirkumar, a non-communal artist, breathed his last at the Jessore Combined Military Hospital after suffering from respiratory problems for a long time. He was buried in the courtyard of his house in Narail.