Noted actor, director and singer Meher Afroz Shaon said that jewelry is more about tradition than beauty. She said this as the keynote speaker at a seminar titled "Celebrityder Gohona Bhabna" held at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) in the capital on Thursday. The seminar was held as part of the ongoing BAJUS Fair 2023 in Hall 4 of the ICCB.

Shaon said, "I think jewellery is more about tradition than beautiful design. Earlier, in our society, we saw that Jewellery was given to the bride at the time of marriage, and she kept it for the rest of her life. They thought that these ornaments were a part of their lives, and they used to sell them in times of dire need, such as for digesters. But, that scenario has changed in recent times. Nowadays, people wear jewellery as a hobby."

A good number of female celebrities, including actresses Apu Bishwas, Nipun Akhter, Afia Nusrat Barsha, Eamin Haque Bobby, Zahara Mitu, Jyotika Jyoti, models Peya Jannatul, Barisha Haque and singer Somnur Monir Konal spoke at the programe. 

Actor Apu Biswas also highlighted the traditional aspect of ornament. She said, "Jewellery has traditional and historical importance. When a child is born, we welcome the baby by gifting an ornament; actually, we celebrate every important moment of our lives with an ornament. We have also emotion with ornaments. A few years ago, my mother gifted me a gold necklace. My mother is no longer with us, but when I see the necklace, I get emotional."

 "An artist wears jewellery to match the character he or she plays in a project. If BAJUS or  a jewellery company sponsors the ornaments for a film and other projects, then it would be good for the cinema and the particular company," said Jyotika Jyoti.

Actress Bobby said, "Women cannot be thought of without ornaments, and women cannot be separated from ornaments."

Nipun said, "BAJUS has been organising the fair for the last two years. I wish the fair the best of luck."

 Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud graced the occasion as the chief guest. Bangladesh Pratidin Editor Naem Nizam and Noted litterateur and Kaler Kantho editor-in-chief Imdadul Haq Milan attended the seminar as special guests with BAJUS’ Secretary Dilip Kumar Roy in the chair.

A book titled ‘Shombhabonar Shornodur’ was also unveiled before starting the seminar. A documentary on the different activities of BAJUS was also screened at the event.

Bd-pratidin English/Lutful Hoque