A sense of distinctly unperturbed harmony spices the tone, as the refined accomplishment of poetry recitation goes on; an atypical vocal art, one that guides both the performer as well as the listener to delve deep into the intricacies of the human soul to sieve out and reveal the purest of psychic joys and emotional values. Such is felt by Bhaswar Banerjee, a leading cultural figure of the country, a celebrity in the field of poetry recitation and theatrical movement in Bangladesh.

Born in an educated family of Khulna in the early 50's, Bhaswar Banerjee, from his childhood, has been a spirited personality with strong endurance and challenging attitude. Bhaswar fondly recollects his early years and close attachment with his elder sister, Dipa Banerjee and father, Late Lohit Kanti Banerjee, a dedicated drama personality.

Ever since his student years, Bhaswar has had experiences of performaning in both Khulna and Dhaka stations of Betar Bangladesh as well as in Bangladesh Television, also as a renowned news caster, announcer and commentator in different programmes and workshops.

Bhaswar Banerjee, a devoted cultural activist since university days, proudly remembers intimate associations with organisations like 'Natya Chakra' founded by reputed cultural personality, M. Hamid. 'Dhaka University Sangskriti Sangsad' that had a truly combined activity in various spheres of culture including poetry recitation, drama, music and classical dance had also been a soul-searching refuge for Bhaswar. 'Organisation like DUCSU had never been accustomed with the idea of professionalism in theatrical works and this very attitude was injected into the mindset of the then-cultural wings by activists of our circle'.

After getting a Diploma in Dramatics from the National School of Drama (NSD), New Delhi, during the late 70's, Bhaswar Banerjee is currently the Deputy Director at the National Institute of Mass Communication (NIMCO) besides being a regular teacher and trainer at 'Theatre School'.

'It is a matter of great elation to teach in the academy alongside famed personalities like Professor Kabir Chowdhury, Ramendu Majumdar, Abdullah Al Mamun, Ferdousi Majumdar, Ataur Rahman, Mustafa Monwar, Professor Syed Manzurul Islam, besides a host of other noted cultural and literary gurus of the country', says the humble orator. Bhaswar has recently been awarded Ph.D in drama from Rabindra Bharati University of India with thesis subject, 'The impact and influence of folk theatre tradition in modern Bengali theatre'.

While reminiscing about his student days at NSD, Bhaswar said, 'The three-year course that I completed comprised of a variety of theatrical disciplines and branches to deal with.' He further adds, 'Apart from methods of physical acting and building up of a better psychological stance, we learnt designing of sets, lights, stage direction, make-up, costume, script writing, thus the overall basics of theatrical production'.

While replying on a query about the progress of poetry recitation in our country, Bhaswar Banerjee seems quite delighted and expresses high hopes about the younger generation that is into it.

'I feel that the youth who are now putting their efforts into poetry recitation should continue to do so rather with a stronger devotion and vigour'. One negative practice, which he believes is quite rampant here, is that young enthusiasts often join a socio-cultural group and begin to recite poetry but leave the scene after a short period to join another group. ' Poetry recitation to many is like a pastime, the notion of which should permanently be ousted for the betterment of the art form in bringing a degree of professionalism'.

Bhaswar Banerjee currently runs his own poetry recitation organisation, 'Kotha', besides being the founding President of 'Abritti Somonnoy Parishad', a leading organisation of the country.

'A quite alarming information is that neither any television channel nor the radio has any provision of grade system for the artistes of poetry recitation, though, the art form is widely presented in the electronic media', laments a bit dejected Bhaswar.

'Besides, the media has lately been filled up with lots of new programmes including band music etc, yet it is a pity that there is not the same appreciation for poetry recitation'.

Bhaswar Banerjee likes to extend his gratitude to organisations like Bengal Foundation for its support and sponsoring works of art and music but, he feels, it should also help flourish mediums like poetry recitation.

'The inner strength of poetry and its recitation is immense, provided it is implemented in the right place at the right time', feels Bhaswar.