Akbar Haider Kiron

New York — Celebrated academic, author, scientist, poet, essayist, and former Vice-Chancellor Dr. Mostofa Sarwar has been awarded the prestigious BILS Literary Award 2026 for his outstanding contributions to literature and his efforts in connecting Eastern cultural heritage with Western academia. The award was presented during the closing ceremony of the 4th Rockland Retreat and Book Fair, held on July 25–26, 2026, at the Threefold Educational Center in Chestnut Ridge, near New York City. Organized by Dr. Dhanonjoy Sarkar — celebrated poet and writer and President of the Bengali International Literary Society (BILS) —the two-day gathering centered on the evocative theme "Sari in World Literature and Culture."  The international retreat brought together a diverse gathering of poets, novelists, researchers, and cultural activists representing Bangladesh, India, the United States, Ireland, Australia, Turkey, Guyana, and the Dominican Republic.  

Global Intellectuals & Soulful Recitings  Dr. Sarwar officially inaugurated the event, which featured an extensive lineup of scholarly seminars, book stalls, poetry readings, art exhibitions, and creative workshops. Prominent literary figures in attendance included India’s renowned poet Subodh Sarkar, Bangladesh’s poet Muhammad Nurul Huda, and Dr. Mohammad Masum. A major highlight of the retreat was an artistic performance organized by the International Museum of Saree (IMS). The Global Cultural Ambassador of the IMS, Ustad Kamal Sabri—affectionately known as the "Sarangi Sultan"—enraptured attendees with a soulful Sarangi performance. His music accompanied a poignant recitation of a long prose poem on the sari delivered by Dr. Ashvini Persaud, President of the IMS.

 The venue resonated with joy and peace (shanti) as Dr. Animita Saha captivated the audience during her solo dance recital, 'From Darkness to Light: A Prayer Dance,' drawing enthusiastic applause.

 In addition to Dr. Sarwar’s honor, the inaugural BILS Writers-in-Residence Award was bestowed upon poets Dr. Subodh Sarkar (India) and Muhammad Nurul Huda (Bangladesh).  

Awards were also given to the best participants. Poet Benojir Sikdar received the award for best poetry presented at the conference in Bengali, while Dr. Kausik Kar was honored in the English and other languages category. The top Bengali recitation award was presented to Adrika Das, while Dr. Ashvini Persaud received the award for the English and other languages category.

 Language as a Living Canvas

 Delivering an invited address at the seminar "250 Years of the United States: East-West in Bengali Literature," Dr. Sarwar highlighted the need to keep mother tongues vibrant among diaspora populations.

 "Language truly becomes meaningful only when it serves as the vehicle for the lives of the new generation," Dr. Sarwar remarked. "Therefore, we must continuously nurture and sustain the practice of Bengali language and culture among our youth growing up abroad."

 Building upon his conference address, Dr. Sarwar also delivered his acclaimed paper, "The Six-Yard Manuscript: The Sari as Bengal’s Living Text" (featured in New York Bangla and USA News Online). In it, he framed the sari as an unstitched, six-yard living manuscript that weaves together the geography, history, and resilience of the Bengal delta:

 Topography in Weave: Dr. Sarwar illustrated how regional fabrics mirror Bengal's riverine landscapes—from the mist-like translucent Dhakai Jamdani to narrative Baluchari scrolls and sturdy Tant cotton. Literary Anchor: He analyzed how the garment serves as a pivotal narrative element in classic works like Rabindranath Tagore’s Chokher Bali and modern poetry by Subodh Sarkar. Historic Cultural Benchmark: He shared a landmark memory from 2019, when his wife, Dr. Syeda Sarwar, wore a traditional Kathan Benarasi sari to the Endymion Extravaganza Ball at the New Orleans Superdome—marking the first time a traditional sari was featured at the historic Mardi Gras gala.

The summit concluded with BILS leadership announcing the 5th Rockland Retreat and Book Fair, scheduled for July 24–25, 2027, under the theme "From the Meghna to the Mississippi". Dr. Blanka Notková, a renowned researcher and professor at Charles University in the Czech Republic known for her research on Bengali literature, has tentatively agreed to join as the Chief Guest.