S.M. Sultan's 101st birth anniv celebrated amid festivities in Narail
Uzzal Roy, Narail
The 101st birth anniversary of world-renowned painter SM Sultan was celebrated in Narail through various programs.
The day's programs began on Sunday morning with floral tributes, a Doa Mahfil and Quran recitation at the artist's tomb in Machimdia in the district.
On this occasion, various organizations including the district administration, SM Sultan Foundation, Narail Press Club, SM Sultan Shishu Charu and Karukla Foundation, SM Sultan Memorial Museum, Lal Baul community, District Shilpakala Academy, SM Sultan Bengal Charukla Mahavidyalaya, July Warrior Council, Murshana Sangeet Niketan, Chitra Theater and others paid tribute by placing wreaths at the artist's grave.
The district administration and SM Sultan Foundation jointly organized this event. Narail Deputy Commissioner and SM Sultan Foundation President Sharmin Akhter Jahan was present as the chief guest. She said, "SM Sultan is a unique name not only in Narail or Bangladesh, but also in the world of art. Rural life, the struggle of farmers and the smell of soil can be found in his art. We need to take more initiatives to convey Sultan's philosophy of life and artistic consciousness to the new generation. Remembering this great man, the pride of Narail, means a commitment to cherish and develop our cultural heritage.
Special guests included Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Lincoln Biswas, Deputy Director of Local Government Department Julia Sukaina, Additional District Magistrate Mohammad Arafat Hossain, Member Secretary of SM Sultan Foundation and former President of District BNP Advocate Iqbal Hossain Sikder, General Secretary of Narail Press Club Mahbubur Rashid Lablu, Senior Vice President Azizul Islam and former President Advocate Siddiqui. In addition, local dignitaries including SM Sultan Charu and President of Karukla Foundation Sheikh Hanif participated.
His formal education did not go far in his childhood, but his keen interest in art took him to Dhaka and later to Kolkata. Although he was admitted to the Government Art School in Kolkata in 1944, he left formal education before completing his graduation in the pursuit of creative freedom. He then established his identity on the international stage by exhibiting his paintings in various cities in India, Pakistan, the United States and the United Kingdom.
The glory of agricultural people in industry
SM Sultan's canvases have always depicted the vibrant images of rural farming people. The well-built farmers, the vast paddy fields, the cattle - rural life has become glorious and heroic under his brushstrokes. He believed that the strength and future of the country lies in the hands of the people of the soil and the farming community.
According to art critics, Sultan's work is not just a scene, but a kind of socio-political statement. Through art, he highlights the dignity and self-esteem of the rural population, which has earned him the title of 'painter of the soil and the people'.
Achievements and international recognition
For his outstanding contribution to painting, he received the Ekushey Padak in 1982, the Swadhinata Padak in 1993, the Resident Artist Recognition in 1984, and the Bangladesh Charushilpi Sangsad Award in 1986. Internationally, Cambridge University awarded him the title of Man of the Year, the Biographical Center in New York awarded him the Man of Achievement, and Asia Week magazine declared him the Man of Asia.
Sultan in Narail's cultural heritage :
Towards the end of his life, he returned to Narail and established 'Shishu Swarg' and 'Sultan Sangharshala' for children. Here, he created opportunities for children to draw, play and do creative activities. His paintings, materials used and personal memorabilia are still preserved in the Sultan Sangharshala in Kurigram area of Narail city.
Death and inheritance
SM Sultan died of illness on October 10, 1994 at the Combined Military Hospital in Jessore. He was buried in the museum complex in the Kurigram area of his native Narail town. Even three decades after his death, his work continues to inspire generations, and the people drawn by his brush strokes live on in the cultural consciousness of Bangladesh.
Birthday program.
Various programs including Quran recitation, wreath-laying at his grave, prayer gathering, children's painting competition and discussion meeting have been organized this morning to mark the Sultan's 101st birthday. Local cultural organizations, art lovers, school and college students, and art enthusiasts from different parts of the country are participating in these events.
SM Sultan, a symbol of pride for the people of Narail, is not just an artist—he is an indestructible symbol of the soil, people, and artistic consciousness of Bengal. Ujjwal Roy, Narail District Representative.
