"Throughout the centuries our cultural bank has been enriched by Lalon, Hason Raja, Tagore, Nazrul and innumerable artists. When one contributes to this bank, he/she does it altruistically.
Contests like 'Celebrating Life' can play a key role in discovering talents, provide them with a much- needed exposure, and enhance our cultural bank in the process. The Daily Star and Standard Chartered Bank deserve accolades to put together this competition for budding lyricists, photographers and filmmakers. Hopefully, this initiative will blossom further and cover more areas of our culture," said renowned media personality Mustafa Monwar.

Monwar was the chief guest at the launch of "Music for Celebrating Life (Volume 1)" -- album featuring 10 winning songs from the lyric writing segment of the competition.

The event was held at Windy Tower, Bangladesh China Friendship Convention Centre on November 30.

Special guest, veteran singer Ferdausi Rahman, said, "I believe that music is life. What better way to celebrate Bangladesh than with songs? On behalf of the community of Bangladeshi artistes, my gratitude to both organisations. When a leading newspaper and a renowned bank join hands, they can work wonders in developing the cultural scene."

Mahfuz Anam, Editor of The Daily Star said in his speech, "Everyday we read about where we are lacking, but what about our achievements as a nation? It's time we highlight our accomplishments -- big and small. Right now we need a sense of pride -- pride that stems from dignity and self- assuredness. Through 'Celebrating Life,' we have made an attempt in recognising the creativity of our youth. We intend to continue this initiative."

Osman Murad, CEO of Standard Chartered Bank, Bangladesh said, "As an organisation, we believe that growth without cultural development is not sustainable. Partnering The Daily Star in organising this competition validates that commitment."

Songs in the album -- including "Ki ghar bandhimu ami," "We love Bangladesh," "Kothaye tomar bari," "Shobdo, ekti shobdo" and "Bangladesh, my love" -- written by young lyricists have been set to tune by skilled musicians and composers like Nakib Khan, Bappa Majumder, Foad Nasser Babu, Syed Hasan Tipu and sung by famed artistes Subir Nandi, Shakila Zafar, Fahmida Nabi, Samina Chowdhury and Syed Abdul Hadi. Incidentally, Fahmida Nabi made her debut as a music composer with this album. The album also includes an instrumental piece by Shimul Yousuf.

At the programme Shakila Zafar, Fahmida Nabi and Nasim Ali Khan performed songs from the album.

Rafi Hossain, in-charge of Star Insight, coordinated the 'Celebrating Life' contest.