retreat

house of peace

shantikana

ARC0016

Md Selim made his creative retreat plastering the interior walls of his shelter and moulding reliefs of colourful flower designs. He named it Shanti (peace) kana (house) because for him is a place to search for inspiration and spiritual meaning. It is here where he practices his art, plays mandolin and sings with his fellow musicians. He is married and has four children. ?My children are not my only legacy, I want my music to be my legacy too!❜?says Md Selim. He fell in love with music at the age of 6 while attending a wedding. By the time he was 12 years old, he was playing at weddings and domestic festivals. He never charged any money for playing his music, but instead he received many gifts?and several love proposals. He arrived in Bangladesh aged 18 accompanied with his parents in 1987, and although he had many jobs since?construction worker, fisherman, even rickshaw puller! ?music has always played an important part on his life journey. He says music helped ease his work; whether pulling a rickshaw, or in a boat at night deep into the sea, music has always been the best companion. ?Music is knowledge❜?says Md Selim, ?It keeps a man pure and honest. It❜s like food for your heart. If you love your music, music will love you back.❜ In October 2017, he planted the seedling of a Banyan tree in a corner of his shelter. He hopes one day it will grow into a majestic tree. A tree of memories where his soul will rest forever in peace, and where birds will come to nest and carry his songs across the wind to future generations.