Last weekend in Morden, a program that will unite children under the love of singing was introduced with a flourish.
The Manitoba Bangladeshi Friendship Club launched its free children’s music and singing program.
A ‘joyful’ evening
Debasis Ganguli, the secretary of the Manitoba Bangladeshi Friendship Club, said the August 9th festivities occurred at 500 Stephen Street Community Centre in Morden.
According to the secretary, it was “a joyful evening” filled with children, parents, community members, and dignitaries, including the president of the friendship club, Jahangir Alam Talukder, and the group’s “special guest,” Kevin Driedger, the executive director of 500 Stephen Street.
“It truly felt like a united community effort,” said Ganguli. “One of the biggest highlights was seeing how happy the children were to be a part of something creative.”
Free lessons for all
Ganguli said the purpose of the event was to launch a free weekly program that “nurtures musical skills, charity, and cultural pride among Bangladeshi children.”
The program, which currently offers a free weekly singing class, is also open to anyone in the community.
The music is taught in the tradition of Sargam, which is a cornerstone concept in South Asian music that uses a seven-note scale and serves as both a teaching method and a performance technique.
Down the road, the Manitoba Bangladeshi Friendship Club intends to expand its program to include tabla (South Asian drums) lessons, guitar, and dance lessons.
Currently, the music program is run by volunteer teachers Ansara Binte Ansar (Suvana) and Atoshi Bhattacharjee.
Highlights from the evening
As for the event on August 9th, Ganguli said the atmosphere was “warm.”
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“I loved seeing the children sing with joy and confidence, parents chatting and connecting, and Kevin offering his encouragement for the program,” he said.
“The cake-cutting ceremony was a highlight. It symbolized the fresh start of a cultural initiative.”
Ganguli said the Manitoba Bangladeshi Friendship Club is “truly grateful” to Kevin Driedger, 500 Stephen Street, President Jahangir Alam Talukder, the other community members who showed their support at the event, and the volunteer teachers who help make the music program possible.
“This program is not only about music, it's about building connections, strengthening community bonds and giving children a sense of pride in their heritage while learning new skills,” he said.
To sign up for the music class or to get more information, email manitobabfc@gmail.com or call 431-349-0016.
With files from Robyn Wiebe