2024-02-21 17:59:00
‘I spent my childhood in the village house. There was no Shaheed Minar in the school I studied. On the morning of Ekushe Februari, the song ‘Amar Bhai’s blood stained Ekushe Februari’ was played on the mic. It is very emotional. Stirs from within. Anyway, we used to collect flowers from different houses in the village. After that, I used to go to school and pay my respects by building a minar of martyrs with bricks.’ — While talking to RisingBD, reminiscing about celebrating Ekushey February as a child, these are the words spoken by popular actress of two screens, Jyotika Jyoti.
Special attention is paid to flower plants in village houses for fear of theft. Informing that, Jyoti said, ‘Everyone keeps an eye on the flowers in the village, so that no one can tear them. Because flowers are not available to buy in the village. Paying attention to flowers can be called a hypocritical anger. Because they want to give flowers, many people steal them; Objection to this too. Because of which everyone is a little cautious. But there was great joy in paying homage to the Shahid Minar with stolen flowers, a different kind of joy!’
Jyoti used to participate in various competitions organized by the school on February 1st. Referring to that, the actress said, ‘On February 1, I used to participate in various competitions in school events. Sometimes I used to participate in essay competition, sometimes in recitation competition. But I used to be first, second or third in essay competition. I remember getting a plate as a reward for that. I remember those moments very much, make them memorable.’
After coming to Dhaka, Jyoti spent February 1 in a different way. Visit the altar regularly to offer flowers. For some years he could not go to the central Shaheed Minar; He also said that he feels very bad if he cannot go to Shahid Minar. But go to an altar around where you stay and offer flowers. While staying in Uttara, Jyoti used to visit Shanta Mariam University alone and bring flowers.
Ekushe spent the whole night at Shahid Minar many times on the occasion of February. Recalling that, Jyoti said, ‘I spent several years at the Central Shaheed Minar from the night of February 20. And during this time I painted Alpana on the street, sometimes I painted Shahid Minar or Bengali characters on my cheeks. These memories stir emotions. Now performing duties in art. So this time I will congratulate the ambassadors of different countries with flowers. Art does it every year.’
Jyoti thinks that everyone should be more aware of Bengali language. The actress said, “I see many people in the showbiz and cultural arena, they use the words ‘what are you doing’ and ‘eating’ while talking. The present generation is also using these words. It is neither a regional language nor a pure Bengali language. Actually it is not our language. I am Mymensingh girl, I know my regional language. It has a distinct sweetness. But when speaking in national or international media, we should present pure Bengali language. The practice of ‘Khaicho’, ‘Gechho’ is very bad. I think people should be more conscious about language.”
“International Mother Language Day has happened for our Bengali language. It is a matter of great pride for us. It is our responsibility to protect Bengali language. Along with spreading Bengal more all over the world. And those who are studying through English, they must learn Bengali language too.’ Says Jyotika Jyoti.