October 5, 1956 remains embedded in our memory as a glorious chapter in progressive movement of the children in erstwhile East Pakistan against the backdrop of exploitation economically and culturally by military-politico elite of Pakistan regime. On this day Kachi Kanchar Mela was established at Tarabagh residence of illustrious legendary poet Sufia Kamal whose association until her death on November 20, 1999 inspired old and young members of this pioneer children's organisation in the country. Rokanuzzaman Khan, popularly known by his pseudonym Dadabhai, was the architect for the establishment of this organisation.

Baghban of Mukul Mahfil of the Daily Azad, Bhaiya of Khela Ghar of the Daily Sangbad and Dadabhai of Kachi Kachar Ashar of the Daily Ittefaq gained prominence in 50's and 60's among school going children. Actually these periods were heyday for the children movement in erstwhile East Pakistan, Of these three, only Dadabhai remained as a torch bearer of the children's movement. He began his journey with handful members of the Ashar to build up a pioneer children organisation with a view to imbibing in them a sense of values and tradition of patriotism. Rokanuzzaman Khan had the privilege to enjoy whole hearted cooperation and guidance from personalities like Dr. Abdullah Al-Muti Sharafuddin, who became known for writing science stories for the children, Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin -- a pioneer in flourishing fine arts in the country, Palli Kabi (village bard) Jasimuddin, Professor Ajit Kumar Guha in his journey towards development of the children organisation. Poet Sufia Kamal was the inspiration for flourishing this organisation. On many occasions Sufia Kamal joined the caravan of the Central Kachi Kanchar Mela to travel to different districts and sub-divisional (upazila now) branches of the mela as a part of organisational tour.

Kachi Kanchar Mela had to pass through difficult period of its history as it maintain independent status and did not succumb to illogical pressure from any quarters including political. Kachi Kanchar Mela expand with an awareness of the existing social reality. Apart from organising painting and music classes for the middle class and have-nots alike in a rented building in 60's, it used to celebrate national days and Bengali New Year. It also organised sewing classes for needy girls and women. Members of this organisation also respond to the call for help as and when the country was affected by natural calamity.

With the financial assistance from NORAD (Norway Development Assistance) the Central Kachi Kanchar Mela laid the foundation of its own building at Segunbagicha land given by the government in 1980. The building was inaugurated by the Chief Justice of the country in 1995 with the construction of an auditorium, which accommodates 320 persons. The Japanese government also came forward in constructing two more floors. Apart from this, Central Kachi Kanchar Mela received generous financial assistance from Norway embassy in Dhaka for installing air-condition at the auditorium, which helps generate fund for the mela. Presently it offers classes in painting, music, dance and recitation. Added attraction is the introduction of computer classes.

The Central Kachi Kanchar Mela takes pride in organising annual education camp where self-help motivational programme, exercises of different nature, lathi Khela (stick dance) are held. This provides an opportunity to members of Kachi Kanchar Mela to interact and exchange their experiences in different melas around the country. It organises monthly session for budding writers.

This is possibly the only children organisation in Bangladesh that could bag a large number of international awards in painting competitions and exhibitions held in New Delhi, Tokyo, Seoul, Bucharest, London and Ankara since 1963.One of the major achievements of this organisation was to sponsor national seminar on children from April 23-24, 1976. The present Shishu (children) Academy is the product of this seminar where Director Kachi Kanchar Mela Rokanuzzaman proposed to set up such academy for the children.

With the departure of stalwarts the Central Mela holds birth day anniversary of poet Sufia Kamal and Rokanuzzaman Khan while organises recitation and paintings competitions in memory of Poet Jasimuddin and Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin.Science fair is organised in remembrance of Dr.Abdullah Al-Muti Sharafuddin. Recently the mela introduces workshops on debate and adolescent health care in cooperation with electronic media Channel-i and UNICEF. The Central Kachi Kanchar Mela has the best library one could think of to cater to the needs of the children. It has about five thousand books covering wide range of subjects, both Bangla and English.

Members of this pioneer children organisation have had the privilege to participate in international children camps in Berlin (former GDR), Moscow and Sofia (Bulgaria) in mid 70's. It has also exchanged children programme with Norway. In Dhaka, children from Japanese school, Indonesia, Malaysia and Canadian embassies took part in the cultural programmes marking the founding anniversary of the Central Kachi Kanchar Mela, which also demonstrates international character of this children organisation.

Today the Central Kachi Kanchar Mela does not depend on doles. It has generated its own fund to run this non-profit voluntary social welfare children organisasation. Against the backdrop of complex and disturbed socio-politico scenario in Bangladesh the existence of Central Kachi Kanchar Mela for 47 years is really praiseworthy. Being inspired by the founder director Rokanuzzaman Khan members of the Central Kachi Kanchar Mela devoted to the building of this children organisation from strength to strength. (Writer of this article has been associated with Kachi Kanchar Mela since 1958).

Mohammad Amjad Hossain, a former diplomat, now stays in Virginia, USA.