Majumdar Jewel, the director of the group, hosted the programme. Poet Saiful Bari, the Advisor of ATN Bangla handed over the award to Golam Sarwar while Robi Sankar Moitri received the medal from eminent drama activist Ramendu Majumdar.

A jubilant Moitri, overwhelmed by the recent award, said, 'Despite our perseverance in recitation, we get very little recognition. That is why I feel that such an award is a significant achievement.' Ramendu Majumdar in his speech once again identified the importance of a separate venue for recitation programmes. He also gave his own perspective on recitation not only as an art form but for developing the inner qualities of a human being.

In his speech, commemorating the eminent recitation artiste Gulam Mustafa, Golam Sarwar ended with a soulful recitation of a poem from Rabindranath Tagore. He emphasised on the need to carry on the struggle to establish recitation as a prominent performing art. Poet Saiful Bari assured every possible help from the television channel ATN Bangla to promote recitation in the country as well as globally. He recited one of his recent poems that depicted the present unrest and hostile situation in the socio-political arena.

The staging of the lyrical drama Halud Patar Gan followed the award giving ceremony. Written by Simon Zakaria and directed by Majumdar Jewel, the performance was as dismal as the muggy weather. The performance started with the song Halud patar bhoyer kapon that played in the background without any instrumental input. The lighting and the background music were impressive but the performance was monotonous, and to a certain extent, a little unprofessional.

Recitation in our country has come of age. However, organisers should show greater drive to enhance quality productions in this art form.