The organization’s journey began in 2016, under the visionary leadership of Sujon Kumar Bed. Sujon, a native of Lalmonirhat, had always been passionate about the cultural heritage of his homeland. He grew up listening to the soulful melodies of folk songs, which resonated with the stories, struggles, and dreams of the people. These songs, handed down through generations, were more than just music- they were a reflection of the community’s identity and a repository of collective wisdom.

However, as Bangladesh rapidly modernized, Sujon noticed a disturbing trend: the traditional folk songs were slowly fading from the cultural consciousness, replaced by more commercialized forms of entertainment. This loss, he felt, was not just of music but of a crucial part of the community’s soul. The idea of creating an organization dedicated to preserving this heritage began to take root in his mind.

Inspiration from Afar

The spark that would eventually ignite the founding of Mayer Tori came from an unexpected source- Weera Sathaer, a writer, social worker, and photographer from Norway. Sujon first encountered Weera’s work through her photography, which beautifully captured the essence of marginalized communities across the world. Her commitment to using art as a tool for social change deeply resonated with Sujon. He saw in Weera’s work a reflection of his own aspirations for the people of Lalmonirhat and Kurigram.

Sujon was particularly moved by Weera’s dedication to preserving cultural identities in the face of globalization. She had worked extensively with indigenous communities in Norway, helping them retain their unique cultural practices while adapting to modern challenges. Her approach of blending traditional wisdom with contemporary social work methodologies struck a chord with Sujon, who saw a similar potential in the folk traditions of Bangladesh.

Inspired by Weera’s work, Sujon reached out to her, and they began a cross-cultural dialogue that would prove to be instrumental in the creation of Mayer Tori. Weera’s insights and guidance helped Sujon shape his vision for the organization, emphasizing the importance of cultural preservation as a means of empowering communities.

The Birth of Mayer Tori

In 2016, with Weera’s encouragement and his own deep-seated belief in the power of folk music, Sujon established Mayer Tori. The symbolizes the organization’s mission: to navigate the waters of change while staying anchored to the roots of tradition.

Mayer Tori was founded on the principle that folk songs are not just artistic expressions but also powerful tools for social transformation. These songs carry within them the history, values, and collective experiences of the people, making them a unique medium for education and awareness. Sujon envisioned Mayer Tori as an organization that would harness this potential, using folk music to address social issues, promote cultural education, and foster a sense of community.

Early Challenges and Growth

The early days of Mayer Tori were fraught with challenges. As a new NGO in a region that was economically underdeveloped and culturally conservative, gaining the trust of the local community was not easy. Many were sceptical of Sujon’s intentions, seeing the preservation of folk music as a frivolous endeavour in the face of more pressing concerns like poverty and unemployment.

However, Sujon was undeterred. He knew that in order to succeed, Mayer Tori would have to demonstrate the tangible benefits of its work. He began by organizing small community gatherings where local folk singers performed traditional songs. These events were more than just concerts—they were interactive sessions where the stories behind the songs were discussed, and their relevance to contemporary social issues was highlighted.

To further solidify the organization’s role in the community, Mayer Tori started offering workshops that taught folk music to the younger generation. These workshops not only preserved the musical tradition but also provided a constructive outlet for youth, keeping them engaged and away from negative influences.

As word spread about the organization’s work, more and more people began to see the value in what Sujon was doing. The community’s initial scepticism slowly turned into support, and Mayer Tori began to grow. The organization expanded its activities to include Kurigram, another district with a rich folk tradition that was at risk of being forgotten.

Mayer Tori’s Mission and Vision

Today, MayerTori stands as a testament to the enduring power of folk music. The organization’s mission is multifaceted: it aims to preserve the folk traditions of Lalmonirhat and Kurigram, use music as a means of addressing social issues, and foster a sense of unity within the community, protect child right and develop child right. At its core, Mayer Tori believes that cultural heritage is not something to be locked away in a museum—it is a living, breathing part of everyday life that should be celebrated and used as a tool for positive change.

One of the key initiatives of Mayer Tori is its Folk Song Preservation Project, which involves recording and archiving traditional songs that are at risk of being lost. This project is not just about saving the songs themselves but also about preserving the stories and contexts that give them meaning. Through this initiative, Mayer Tori ensures that future generations will have access to this rich cultural heritage.

In addition to preservation, Mayer Tori actively uses folk music as a platform for education and awareness. The organization has launched various campaigns that use music to address issues such as gender equality, environmental conservation, and social justice. By framing these issues within the context of folk traditions, Mayer Tori is able to communicate complex ideas in a way that is accessible and relatable to the local community.

Looking Forward

As Mayer Tori continues to grow, its vision remains clear: to create a world where cultural heritage is valued not just for its artistic merit but for its potential to inspire social change. Sujon’s dream is for Mayer Tori to become a model for other regions in Bangladesh and beyond, demonstrating how traditional arts can be a powerful force for community development.

In a world that is increasingly homogenized by globalization, Mayer Tori stands as a beacon of cultural resilience. It reminds us that the past is not something to be forgotten but something to be cherished, learned from, and used as a foundation for building a better future. Through its work, Mayer Tori is not just preserving songs—it is preserving the spirit of a people.