Without self-purification, the country’s chaos won’t stop

When we hear the popular songs "Ei Padma, Ei Meghna", "Khachar Bhitor Achin Pakhi", "Shomoy Gele Shadhon Hobe Na", or "Tomra Bhulei Gecho Mallikadir Naam", the image of a legendary figure immediately comes to mind—renowned as the “daughter of Lalon,” the iconic vocalist Farida Parveen. She has sung Lalon Fakir's songs more than anyone else. For 54 years, she has been performing Lalon’s songs, Nazrul’s compositions, patriotic music, and classical melodies. For her significant contributions to music, she has been awarded the Ekushey Padak and Japan’s Fukuoka Prize, known as the Nobel of Asia. She also won the National Film Award, along with many other accolades and honors both nationally and internationally.

Recently, Farida Parveen visited the Views Bangladesh office, where she captivated everyone with her singing and vibrant conversation. Amidst the music and chatter, she shared her thoughts on her journey in music, Lalon songs, and the landscape of Bangla music. This three-part interview begins with the first installment published today.

The interview was conducted by Girish Goiric, Associate Editor of Views Bangladesh, and Shahadat Hossen Towhid, Editorial Assistant.

Views Bangladesh: You are in your seventies now, and your entire life has been intertwined with music. What are your feelings about life and music at this stage?

Farida Parveen: At this age, my first feeling is that I wish to live a little longer. There’s a desire to contribute more to music. However, humans are mortal. This worldly life is temporary. Even so, I am immensely grateful to Allah that, despite so many health challenges, I can still sing. In life, there will be both illness and recovery, and I am continuing with my journey, balancing the good and the bad. I am still practicing music, working on academic projects, and attempting to do everything within the framework of a foundation.

Regarding academic music education, my first dream was Achin Pakhi. Since I have immersed myself in Lalon Sai’s songs, I have tried to keep my Guru and Lalon Fakir alive within me. I have endeavored to pass on the essence of the Guru-disciple tradition in Sai’s philosophy to the children. Not just physical humanity but also the humanity of the soul—helping them enrich their lives with human values and move forward with that strength.

Views Bangladesh: You were born shortly after the Language Movement, witnessed the Liberation War, the 1990s mass uprising, and even the 2024 people's movement against the ruling powers. How far do you think we’ve come in freeing people from exploitation?

Farida Parveen: We must reform ourselves. If we cannot achieve self-purification, nothing will work. Sai Ji said: "Speak the truth, walk the righteous path, O my mind. Without knowing the truth and the righteous path, you cannot discover the essence of humanity." Lies are deeply ingrained in us. We’ve merged lies with truth. But to achieve self-purification, one must embrace the truth wholeheartedly. This is Lalon Sai Ji’s teaching. Through numerous songs, Lalon Sai Ji has tried to impart this wisdom. He spoke of human welfare.

To bring change in the country, society, or family, we must first embrace truth and self-purification. Those who walk the righteous path will be fearless. Without self-purification, the chaos in the country will not end. Be it Allah, Bhagwan, or Ishwar, one must rely on the divine. I say this as a Muslim.

Views Bangladesh: We’ve often seen physical and mental abuse of Baul artists in our country. After August 5, such harassment has increased. What is your reaction to this?

Farida Parveen: Why should I act unjustly towards anyone? Each person is responsible for their own deeds. Who are we to judge? That said, it’s also true that there’s growing unrest in music nowadays, which does not align with the spirit of Lalon Fakir’s songs. His songs are rooted in the realm of thought and spirituality. Singing is fine, but the dancing and unnecessary acts that sometimes accompany it can seem unruly. This may provoke others to resist such actions.

Still, I believe there’s no need for resistance; instead, efforts should be made to make people understand through discussion and dialogue. For 60 years, I’ve been singing Lalon’s songs. Has anyone ever found unruliness in my singing, words, or behavior? No, they haven’t. I have always spoken with clarity and conviction.

Secondly, some tunes are unpleasant. But a tune itself holds divine appeal. Regardless of one’s faith—Muslim or Hindu—melody is divine. As a Muslim, I can say that without Hazrat Bilal’s melodious azan, mornings wouldn’t arrive. Mornings awaited his azan to awaken. This is such a profound concept, whether one accepts it or not—it is a part of Hadith.

Despite everything, some people misuse music, which is not right. True devotees of Lalon Sai and those who meditate on his teachings do not engage in such practices. They remain composed and present Lalon’s songs with grace.

From the very beginning, I’ve seen efforts to promote Lalon’s philosophy gracefully and respectfully. Whoever it may be, no matter how accomplished they are, I, Farida Parveen, do not support these antics. I adhere to the original traditions and teachings of the Guru. I have never simply listened to CDs or browsed YouTube to follow Lalon’s teachings. I have spent six decades deeply practicing and immersing myself in his philosophy. Have I succeeded? I don’t know. The people will decide.

Globally, I am now recognized as a Sufi artist. I have had the honor of performing in countries like Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Belgium, and others, where Allah has taken me. In France, I even collaborated on a joint project that involved recording with French musicians.

(Continued…)