Durga puja - Bengali Association Singapore
www.bengaliassociationsg.com
Bengali is the second most widely spoken language in India and the national language of Bangladesh. The language ranks seventh in the list of most widely spoken languages in the world, with over 200 million native speakers.The Bengali language, and the Bengali speaking people enjoy a rich cultural heritage which forms an intrinsic part of the Bengali identity. The community excels in performing arts and literature, and is also well known for intellectual abilities. With its talent, passion and drive, the Bengali population has spread out beyond the borders of India and Bangladesh into all parts of the Globe.
The Bengali Association Singapore is a non-profit organisation dedicated to the celebration of culture and preservation of traditional values among the immigrant Bengali population of Singapore, and counts amongst its members some of the most educated, successful, forward-thinking professionals living in the Lion City. Members come from all walks of live, and include families and singles, with the age profile varying from young children to working adults and senior citizens
History
The first attempt to form a Bengali association was made as early as 1920 and a second attempt in 1936 but apparently without the ingredients of intent and leadership. In1954, at an informal gathering at the residence of Mr. H. C. Dass, in Rangoon Road, it was proposed that Bijoya Sammelani be held. Spurred by the success that year and the following year the momentum gained led to a meeting at the Ramakrishna Mission, at No. 9 Norris Road, under the chairmanship of Mr. T. P, Karmakar, to discuss the formation of an association. A proposal, which read: This meeting resolves to form an association under the name Singapore Bengali Association was unanimously accepted and an ad hoc committee was elected and empowered to frame a constitution. The draft constitution stated that the object of the Association was to promote social, cultural, educational and recreational activities amongst its members as well as to hold annual celebrations in which Bengalis are particularly interested. The objectives still remain. The official address of the Association was to be No. 9 Harlyn Road.
The Registrar of Societies approved the constitution and the Singapore Bengali Association came into being with a membership of fifty families on 10 September 1956.
The first program was, of course, to celebrate Bijoya Sammelani. Amongst the annual celebrations that gradually became integrated with the activities of the Association were Saraswati and Durga Puja, Rabindra-Nazrul Jayanti, Nababarsha, picnics and sports. Dramas, songs and dance dramas formed part of the celebrations. In the early years food were prepared by the members.
The Associations first Magazine, Milon, was published in 1960. In its early years it used to be cyclostyled, stapled, trimmed and pressed by hand in a British Army office The magazine is still published annually to day but with a gloss and shine.
With the passing away of the older generation a new breed of members has not only kept it very much alive but has made it a home away from home, especially for a sizable expatriate Bengali community made up of IT specialists, financial experts, medical specialists, regional directors of multinational corporation and so on. They and their families have brought with them the wealth of Bengali culture of songs, dances, dramas, etc. With a membership of about 650 and with a large number having become citizens the roots of Bengali culture has been firmly planted in Singapore. This website and its contents is one tribute to the excellence that we have witnessed in the short history of the Association.
