Bangladesh in 2013

For those interested,

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-21646233

There have also been articles in the NY Times, etc. Some individuals responsible for war crimes committed during the Bangladeshi War of Independence (the conflict and crisis that sparked this benefit concert back in 1971) are only just being brought to justice now, over forty years later. There is still fighting and social unrest; the fallout is still ongoing It goes to show that forty years isn't that long of a time in the grander scheme. It makes me want to break out the film again, in honor and recognition of the struggle and suffering these people have endured and of the various serious geopolitical and humanitarian issues that are behind the music, as we watch the seeds of revolution and the continuing development of this young country.

Also, as many will know, Ravi Shankar died in December 2012, aged 92. He had Bengali heritage and was the catalyzing force behind this great, historic concert by bringing the plight of the then-newly independent nation of Bangladesh to the attention of his friend, George Harrison. When Harrison sang, "My friend came to me with sadness in his eyes", it seems more than like that he was referring to Shankar. This is beautiful music and its purpose and place in history (also as one of the first of the benefit performances that are so well-known today) give it even greater weight. We shouldn't forget why it happened.


'Irregardless' is not a word