International Mother Language Day Multicultural Program 2026 | Furthering the vision

Prio Bangla, a local Bangladeshi-American organization, presented a vibrant multicultural program as part of their annual International Mother Language Day ceremonies. Columbia Pike Documentary Project photographer Dewey Tron was on hand to record the performances and speakers. Among the many international cultural representatives were dance troupes and musicians from Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, Bolivia, Mexico, Burma/Myanmar, Indonesia, and China, among others.

A panel of distinguished community and cultural leaders was chaired by leading arts advocate Marcia Semmel. It included County Board members Takis Karantonis, JD Spain, educator Dr. Emma Violand-Sanchez, and Columbia Pike Partnership executive Andrew Schneider, Dr. Pryalal Karmakar, Mukta Bain, and other dignitaries from the Bangladeshi-American community. 

Thanks to Dr. Pryalal Karmakar, executive director of Prio Bangla and the organization's many volunteers for staging this meaningful program for our community.

Photography by Dewey Tron.