Rendezvous Shilpigosthi marks 10 years of celebrating Indigenous culture

Rendezvous Shilpigosthi, a cultural organisation of Indigenous students at Chittagong University (CU), celebrated its 10th anniversary on Tuesday (August 18) with a call to protect the languages and cultures of marginalised Indigenous communities.

The event was held at the Social Science Faculty Auditorium at 3 pm under the theme, “A decade in the light of tradition; driven by roots, singing the victory of culture.” Professor Dr Mohammad Al-Amin, Academic Pro-Vice-Chancellor of CU, attended the programme as the chief guest. Professor Dr Kanchan Chakma, Chief Adviser of Rendezvous Shilpigosthi and Chairman of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, inaugurated the event.

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Shishir Chakma, President of the Jum Aesthetics Council; Mongky Shwe Nu Navy, President of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Writers’ Union; and Goirika Chakma, President of the CU Pahari Alumni Association, attended as special guests.

The discussion was chaired by Jallang Enrico Kubi, President of Rendezvous Shilpigosthi, and moderated by General Secretary Shreya Talukder. Organisational Secretary Caprio Chakma delivered the welcome speech, while Ribek Chakma, General Secretary of the Pahari Chhatra Parishad’s CU branch, gave the greeting.

Speaking at the event, Professor Dr Mohammad Al-Amin said Rendezvous Shilpigosthi enriches the university’s cultural diversity by presenting Indigenous life and traditions on campus. He urged the organisation to give priority to protecting the languages and cultures of the most disadvantaged Indigenous communities.

Professor Dr Kanchan Chakma said the organisation brings Indigenous students together and helps students from across the country learn about their heritage. He highlighted the organisation’s role over the past decade and expressed hope that it would continue contributing to the preservation and promotion of Indigenous culture.

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Shishir Chakma praised the organisation for its work and said historical oppression and cultural aggression continue to threaten Indigenous identity. He called on students to stand against discrimination and protect their cultural heritage. He also said governments have repeatedly failed to ensure recognition and equality for Indigenous peoples.

Mongky Shwe Nu Navy, Goirika Chakma and Ribek Chakma also spoke at the event. They urged Rendezvous Shilpigosthi to develop into a wider cultural movement, raise the voices of marginalised communities and strengthen unity among Indigenous peoples living in the hills and plains.

During the programme, Rendezvous Shilpigosthi honoured Shishir Chakma with an award for his contributions to language, literature and culture.

The discussion ended with closing remarks from President Jallang Enrico Kubi.
A cultural programme followed the discussion. Members of Rendezvous Shilpigosthi performed traditional songs and dances representing different Indigenous communities.

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