The New Nation - Internet Edition

Although Bengali is an international language and one of the major languages of India, Bangla songs are not allowed to sing in the musical contests regularly organized by different Indian TV channels including Star Plus, Zee TV, etc. But participants are seen singing Punjabi and other language songs in such contests.

It may be mentioned here that Bengali singers are leading in the Indian musical arena. Of course they become famous by singing Hindi songs. For instance, Shreya Ghosal. a young Bengali singer who received a number of national and international awards including iifa award for her Hindi songs. One of Shreya's recent Hindi songs has brought for her a huge popularity and reputation. The song is:

"Mere Dhol na sun

Mere Peyar ki doon.."

With this Hindi song, tagging of two Bengali lines - "Aami Je Tomar, Shudhu Je Tomarit" has added an extra melody and charm to this song that has also made it clear that a well sung Bengali song is equally melodious like a Hindi song!

Meanwhile I think, the authorities inside the Indian TV channels should allow contestants to present Bangla song as their competition entry in order to pay proper value and respect to Bengali language and Bangalees. It may be indicated here that the great Indian poet, philosopher, lyricist, tune-maker, and a Nobel laureate Rabindra Nath Tagore was also a Bangalee!

Professor M Zahidul Haque

Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University,

Dhaka.