The Notre Dame University Bangladesh English Club organized an engaging event, Carnivalesque: A Celebration of Love, Language, and Literature, including a seminar facilitated by Mr. Sami Hossain Chisty, Assistant Professor in the Department of English at Notre Dame University Bangladesh on February 27, 2024 in the campus premises.
The event unfolded with a spirited ribbon-cutting ceremony led by the Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Fr. Patrick Daniel Gaffney, CSC, the Treasurer Dr. Fr. Subash Adam Pereira, CSC, Deputy Registrar, Fr. Fr. Ashim Theotonius Gonsalves, CSC, along with faculty members and students. The venue boasted an array of stalls, with sponsors Misra and Dessert Box showcasing their services alongside creatively curated student stalls, such as—Frenzy Online Store, Rokomari Vojon, Elegance of Artifice, Art Castle, and Fiery Flavors.
Dr. Fr. Patrick Daniel Gaffney, Vice Chancellor of Notre Dame University Bangladesh, inaugurated the event with an inspiring speech. He emphasized the symbolic significance of the clown in representing carnival festivities and highlighted laughter as a pivotal element. Drawing parallels to the Hunchback of Notre Dame, he explored themes of societal inclusion through role reversal, a theme he identified with the Carnivalesque.
The seminar, the focal point of the event, featured the insightful Mr. Sami Hossain Chisty. He delved into the artistic trinity of Love, Language, and Literature, defining literature as the entanglement of love and language. Exploring the origins of Carnivalesque and Mikhail Bakhtin’s contributions, he outlined the theory’s four key points, celebrating its role in fostering interactions between diverse groups.
Mr. Chisty eloquently discussed various types of love, while playfully cautioning the audience against playing with hearts. The audience actively engaged in discussions on romantic love, from Love at First Sight to Unrequited Love. He extended his gratitude to Yeassin Saha Nawaj Salim, the moderator, and Bushra Morshed, the President of the English Club, for organizing the successful program.
Moreover, Mr. Golam Sarwar Chowdhury, a professor of the Department of English, shared his appreciation of the merry carnivalesque environment as love in language and literature are the means of life. The cultural segment featured captivating performances, including a Poem Chronicle, a Musical, and a Mime Show.
The event concluded with heartfelt closing remarks from Yeassin Saha Nawaj Salim, the Club’s moderator, echoing the vibrant spirit that permeated the entire carnival. Throughout, the stalls exuded energy, creating a lively and memorable atmosphere for all attendees.
