Ferdous Ara has stated that Nazrul music represents a complete and inclusive musical tradition, encompassing a wide range of genres within the artistic legacy of Kazi Nazrul Islam.
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Personal routine and daily practice
At the beginning of the Bengali month of Boishakh, during the rise of seasonal heat, Ferdous Ara reflected on her current lifestyle and daily routine. She explained that she has arranged her time in a structured manner that allows her to maintain a quiet and private environment, where she can devote herself to music and meditation.
She emphasised that this arrangement enables her to balance professional responsibilities with personal artistic practice. According to her, this period of calm helps her remain focused on creative work and inner discipline, while reducing concern about external changes or events.
She stated:
“I am well. I have divided my time according to my own preference. This allows me to spend quiet and private time with myself and to practise music and meditation. Amid various professional responsibilities, this is my time to breathe. I try to maintain this properly, and I am not particularly concerned with external developments.”
Recognition and artistic priorities
In the previous year, Ferdous Ara was awarded Bangladesh’s second-highest civilian honour, the Ekushey Padak. She has also received a lifetime achievement award from the Channel i Music Awards. Despite these recognitions, she reiterated that formal honours are not her primary focus.
She stated that she does not participate in competition and continues to concentrate on her artistic work. In her view, institutional awards are secondary to the appreciation she receives from audiences and listeners.
She said:
“I am not involved in any kind of competition. I continue to focus on my work with dedication. If I speak of material recognition, I have received the Ekushey Padak, but beyond all of this, love is what matters most to me. Human affection is above everything else. Whenever Nazrul music programmes are organised in different regions of the country, I am often given a central role. Such respect cannot be compared with any material award.”
Sur Saptak and upcoming programme
Ferdous Ara has been পরিচালating her music institution “Sur Saptak” for 26 years. The institution has trained a large number of students in music and regularly organises cultural programmes, particularly during the Bengali New Year period.
This year, Sur Saptak will host its annual programme titled “Bidai Borshoboron” on 2 May at the National Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in Segunbagicha, Dhaka. The event will mark the farewell of Bengali year 1432 and the welcoming of 1433, alongside observances connected to Chaitra Sankranti, Pohela Boishakh, and Nazrul Jayanti.
The programme will include performances by students of the institution as well as artists from different generations. Senior cultural figures and government representatives are also expected to attend.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme title | Bidai Borshoboron |
| Organiser | Sur Saptak |
| Date | 2 May |
| Venue | National Theatre Hall, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy |
| Location | Segunbagicha, Dhaka |
| Occasions | Bengali year farewell 1432, welcome 1433, Chaitra Sankranti, Pohela Boishakh, Nazrul Jayanti |
| Participants | Students, multi-generational artists, cultural and government representatives |
Ferdous Ara noted that Nazrul music represents a broad spectrum of musical expression, which is reflected in the diversity of performances planned for the event.
Teaching and continued engagement
Despite her long career, she remains actively involved in teaching music, particularly to children at Sur Saptak. She continues to attend classes, guiding students and correcting their performances as part of her teaching responsibilities.
Several experienced musicians are associated with the institution. Among them is Anil Kumar Saha, who teaches classical music and is recognised as a gold medallist in India. Towhidul Islam, associated with the Nazrul Institute, is also involved in teaching. In addition, Chhanda Chakraborty conducts classes for students.
Ferdous Ara expressed that working with children remains a deeply fulfilling aspect of her career. She highlighted that their progress and success continue to be the central reward of her long-standing involvement in music education.