Lalon Is a Bridge Between India and Bangladesh and a Beacon of Hope in a Divided World: Dinesh Trivedi

Dhaka: India's High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Dinesh Trivedi, has said that in a divided world Lalon is a beacon of hope and a bridge of unity between India and Bangladesh.

He made the remarks on Saturday (31 October) at Lalon Sandhya-2026, held at the Osmani Smriti Milonayaton in the capital to mark the 176th death anniversary of the mystic saint Lalon Sai. The event was organised by the Indian High Commission in Dhaka and the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre.

In his welcome address at the start of the evening, Dinesh Trivedi said that against the division and negativity spreading through society and social media in today's world, the philosophy of Lalon Fakir can serve as a unique lighthouse for humankind.

He added that even though Lalon's message is more than 200 years old, it remains ever fresh like sunlight and forms the very foundation of our existence.

Drawing on his experience in diplomacy and public life, he said that just as the Covid virus during the pandemic attacked everyone equally regardless of religion or colour, no scientific test can separate the blood of a Hindu, a Muslim or a Christian. In his words, Lalon Fakir realised long ago that human identity matters more than outward differences.

He said Lalon's non-communal thought and music also deeply inspired Rabindranath Tagore. In his view, Lalon Fakir is not only a source of music; he is a spiritual and cultural bridge that strengthens the relationship between India and Bangladesh.

Comparing today's society to a ship that has lost its way in the ocean, he said Lalon's philosophy is the guiding lighthouse for a directionless humankind.

Dinesh Trivedi added that Lalon should not be confined to a single evening of songs or a festival, stressing that his spirit of non-communalism and unity should be carried into everyday thinking and life.

At the event, Ustad Shafi Mondal and Nasrin Akter Beauty performed first. The Achin Pakhi Sangeet Academy also performed, and the Lalon Band presented five of Lalon's popular songs.