Bangladesh’s leading cultural institution Chhayanaut’s digital platform was formally launched on December 1 last year, as part of the organisation’s long-held conviction that sustained cultural practice builds a humane and enlightened society.
Marking its first anniversary, Chhayanaut held a press conference on Monday, outlining the institution’s expanding online footprint and its vision for fostering a culture-centric digital environment.
Presided over by Chhayanaut President Sarwar Ali, the event was attended by Vice-President Partha Tanvir Noved, General Secretary Laisa Ahmed Lisa, Joint Secretary and Convener of the Digital Platform Sub-Council Jayanta Roy, and Digital Archives and Platform Supervisor Anindya Rahman. Leaders said the initiative aims to bring the timeless heritage of Bangla culture to wider audiences through curated digital content and regular programming.
Speakers recalled how, in her 2017 Pahela Baishakh address, cultural luminary Sanjida Khatun had emphasised the immense potential of social media. That aspiration shaped Chhayanaut’s expanded digital journey, which took concrete form with the launch of the daily morning series Jagarani at 9 am on December 1, 2024.
Since then, Jagarani has presented songs, reflections, and readings each morning—content designed to awaken and inspire listeners in the spirit of Chhayanaut’s decades-long dawn-chorus tradition.
Another weekly series, Chirantan, began on February 4, 2025. Airing every Tuesday at 9 pm, the programme offers messages of benevolence and cultural continuity that Chhayanaut believes have guided Bengalis for generations.
Every Thursday at 9 pm, the platform releases Ganer Nibir Path, an intensive listening and learning initiative guided by distinguished instructors. Rather than focusing solely on performance, the programme encourages deeper engagement with lyrics, melody, context, and interpretive nuance.
Chhayanaut’s digital platform has also become the hub for livestreams of its key events, enabling viewers unable to attend in person to participate in real time. The music school’s six weekly Suchona-Somabesh sessions, monthly Students’ Performances, and the collective singing initiative Gaan Abiram are streamed regularly—Gaan Abiram in particular evolving into a free-flowing musical stream reflecting the institution’s participatory ethos.
Reflecting on the journey, Chhayanaut leaders noted that the digital initiative began with the simple ambition of cultivating a mindful and culturally attuned audience through one daily presentation. One year later, thousands now tune in regularly to listen, learn, and engage with an expanding repertoire of artistic content.
General Secretary Laisa Ahmed Lisa expressed optimism at the press conference that the platform will continue shaping a digital environment grounded in beauty, humanity, heritage, and creativity.
Looking ahead, Chhayanaut plans to introduce research-based features, archive-driven presentations, and special projects to support the preservation of Bangladesh’s cultural memory. A preview of the new content slate was scheduled for release following the briefing.
