Sangeet Academy marked its 19th Anniversary and Cultural Evening on Saturday
Staff Reporter: The Bangladeshi community in Connecticut came together in a vibrant celebration of language, music, and cultural heritage as Sangeet Academy marked its 19th Anniversary and Cultural Evening on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at Center Congregational Church in Manchester.
The colorful event showcased the remarkable talents of Bangladeshi-American children and teenagers who have grown up in the United States, alongside accomplished local artists. Through music, poetry recitation, and cultural performances, the program highlighted the academy's unwavering commitment to preserving Bengali language and traditions among the younger generation living abroad.
For nearly two decades, Sangeet Academy has played a leading role in promoting Bengali culture in Connecticut by organizing cultural programs, community celebrations, and educational activities. The academy has earned widespread appreciation for its dedication to teaching Bengali language and music to second-generation Bangladeshi-Americans, helping them remain connected to their cultural roots.
Most of the academy's students were born or raised in the United States. While many are more comfortable communicating in English in their daily lives, they have developed impressive fluency in Bengali songs and spoken Bengali through the academy's training. Parents attending the event expressed pride and satisfaction after witnessing their children's confident performances and their ability to speak and sing in Bengali.
Addressing the audience, Academy Director and vocalist Kousholy Ema emphasized the importance of preserving cultural identity among children growing up in the diaspora. She noted that the busy lives of immigrant parents often leave young people with limited opportunities to experience their native language and traditions.
"Our goal is to inspire children and teenagers to embrace the Bengali language, music, and culture so they can remain connected to their heritage," she said. She also called upon parents and members of the Bangladeshi community to continue supporting the academy in its mission of nurturing future generations with a strong sense of cultural identity.
The evening was jointly hosted by Shahriar Rahman Arif and Sylvia Reberio Kuhu, whose lively presentation kept the audience engaged throughout the program.
Student performers included Mandira Banik, Adhyay Rosario, Ariba Anjum, Arjun Banik, Arshi Rosario, Shubhraneel Chowdhury Rohan, Riya Hossain, Suhani Ghosh, Fiha Amir, Marcia Ahsan Mishu, Barsha Sarkar, Sumaiyah Sukh, Briana Biswas, and Tasmihah Amir.
A joint poetry recitation was presented by Shubhraneel Chowdhury Rohan, Ariba Anjum, and Arshi Rosario, drawing warm applause from the audience.
The cultural evening also featured performances by distinguished local artists, including Mukut Costa, Taposhi Costa, Bobby Sarkar, Niyon Mondal, Monica Mapoli, Reni Sarkar, Parul Rosario, Rashida Akhand Lucky, Chowdhury Haidar, and Kousholy Ema.
Poetry recitations by Neera Bahauddin and Molla Bahauddin Piyal added another memorable dimension to the celebration.
The anniversary program concluded with enthusiastic appreciation from attendees, reaffirming Sangeet Academy's enduring role as a cornerstone of Bengali cultural education in Connecticut and its continuing mission to inspire the next generation of Bangladeshi-Americans through language, music, and the arts.
Engineer Amiruzzaman Tutul delivered a goodwill address on behalf of the parents during the event.
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