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INTRODUCTION
Artist Nitun Kundu, was not merely a visual artist but also an exceptional character in the society
of artists. We saw in him a combination of artist, engineer, architect and a patriotic soul. There is
only one Nitun Kundu who, we are sure, shall be remembered for his invaluable, unique works.
Nitun Kundu proved his brilliance when he was a student of the Art College. He was appreciated
by his teachers as his works were widely discussed on the campus. He was adjudged the best
student at the end of his college life — an accomplishment which showed the foundation of his
learning and dedication to work.
He was the embodiment of a talent who rose from a humble background, coming from Dinajpur,
almost as an unemployed youth. He became a disciple of Subhash Dutta (subsequently a famous
cinema director) and learned how to paint banners for movies. In Dhaka, that was Nitun Kundu‘s
livelihood as he struggled to continue his studies. He stood first class first in the final
examinations. He wanted to become a teacher but could not fulfill his dream due to communal
attitude of the erstwhile Pakistan government. At that time, a lot of professionals migrated to
India on communal grounds but Nitun Kundu declined to do so. He said to his friends: ―I will
stay here and see what happens.‖
In fact, he established himself as a creative entrepreneur. Today, Nitun Kundu is well known for
his accomplishments, and his institution, Otobi, is a household name in brand furniture.
Still, the path of success was not a smooth one. Artist Nitun Kundu earned a reputation for
painting, drawing and illustration. His works bore marks of his creative distinction. He was the
pioneer in developing quality designs on crests and trophies, which is a thriving business
nowadays. The trophies and crests of official awards of the government bear the aesthetic sense
of Nitun Kundu.
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METHODOLOGY
Data Collection Method-
The study is the outcome of mainly secondary data which were collected from-
1. Several reliable reports, journals and annual publications.
2. Wikipedia, many local & international magazines.
3. Some data collected from previously done research papers and study work by
scholars.
OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
Our main objective is to get inspiration to be an entrepreneur in future after knowing the
successful history of a prominent entrepreneur.
The secondary objective is to
- Enrich our knowledge about the most successful entrepreneur of our country.
- To know about the organizations he initiated.
- To know the ideologies of a successful entrepreneur.
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Nitya Gopal Kundu (Nitun Kundu)
He started business on a small workshop in a tin-shed at Topkhana Road in February 1977 and
named it ―Art in Craft‖. After 35 year it stands to OTOBI and controls about 80% of the
country's branded furniture market.
The true spirit of creativity and
leadership never dies. Nitun
Kundu's story was of one man's
interminable desire to be the best of
who he was and contribute via
means of what he truly loved
sculpting and painting.
Nitun Kundu's versatility as a
creative individual can be seen in
his works placed in various parts of
the capital and the country. His
vision of a Bangladesh that knows
no bounds can be felt in all that he
created. His work as an artist,
sculptor and a successful
entrepreneur has been substantial.
For Nitun Kundu triumph was
inevitable that is what he had
nurtured during his life and instilled
in those around him.
During Bangladesh's struggle to
become a sovereign nation in 1971,
Mr. Kundu's involvement in the
liberation war took the form of
posters, banners and slogans
encouraging our fighters to free
Bangladesh from the clutches of
Pakistan. He was also well known
for his furniture designs, pioneering
the use of integrating wood with
metal in Bangladesh.
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Nitun Kundu (full name: Nitya
Gopal Kundu) born in December 3,
1935 was a Bangladeshi artist,
sculptor and entrepreneur, who was
known for bringing new trends in
abstract and realistic art to the
Bangladeshi arts scene.
He was not only a famous artist but
also a dynamic designer, ardent
painter, freedom fighter as well as a
successful entrepreneur. By born he
was creative minded and in this
consequence, after completing his
school matriculation, he get admitted
Fine Arts Institute of Dhaka
University in the department of
painting. The diligent and dedicated
Kundu passed a measurable time in
his student life, so his professors
loved him and excused him to take
leave to earn extra money by painting
movie posters.
Nitun Kundu was born in a lower
middle class family at
Barobandar, Dinajpur.
He was the fourth among seven
children. His parents were
Gnanendranath Kundu and
Binapani Kundu. He was married
to Phalguni Kundu and had a
daughter Amity and son
Animesh.
The young Kundu never
lamented on his financial situation; rather became
determined to do something
creative through the inspiration of Zainul Abedin, Quamrul
Hassan and Abonindo Thakur.
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He was a widely respected cultural figure, businessman and hero of the Bangladesh Liberation
War for his artistic contributions, and received a State funeral that was attended by a cross-
section of civil society and government.
Kundu graduated from Dhaka Art College (now the Institute of Fine Arts) in 1959, topping the
entire class that year. In the years leading up to 1971, he worked at the USIS in Dhaka. He
wished to join as a faculty member of Fine Arts Institute but he took up the position of Chief
Designer for cultural activities in the United States Information Service (USIS).
During the Bangladesh Liberation War, Kundu worked with the celebrated artist Quamrul
Hassan at the public relations department of the Bangladesh Government-in-Exile at Mujibnagar.
In collaboration with Hassan and a group of highly talented artists namely Debdas Chakraborty,
Nasir Biswas, Pranesh Mandal and Biren Shome; Kundu worked on numerous posters and works
of art aimed at arousing the newly formed Mukti Bahini liberation army and also raising
awareness of the genocide being unleashed by the Pakistan Army on the people of Bangladesh.
It was during this period he designed two posters which became among the most recognized
works of art produced during the war. The first was a call to arms at a stage when the Mukti
Bahini was still desperately seeking volunteers to join its ranks. Sada Jagrata Banglar Mukti
Bahini. The second has become a rallying cry for progressive activists all over Bangladesh right
through to today, particularly in face of rising communal tensions: Banglar Hindu, Banglar
Bouddha, Banglar Christian, Banglar Musalman; Amra Sabai Bangali.
The Liberation War was the inspiration for Kundu's most famous work, the sculpture Shabash
Bangladesh, a tribute to the fallen freedom fighters of the Mukti Bahini. This is the largest
sculpture in Bangladesh and is situated on the campus of Rajshahi University.
SAARC Foundation at Karwanbazar
His famous works are –
Sada Jagrata Banglar
Muktibahini (poster)
Amra Sabai Bangali
(poster)
Banglar Bir Muktijoddha
(poster)
SAARC Fountain at
Karwan Bazar, Dhaka
Fountain, Dhaka High
Court, Dhaka
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Sampan, Shah Amanat International Airport, Chittagong
Kadam Fountain, National Press Club, Dhaka
Shabash Bangladesh (sculpture at Rajshahi University)
Kundu was well known among his friends and family members for being a perfectionist and also
working for hours at a stretch. ―He was always drawing or painting or coming up with new
designs,‖ says Amity. He would stay up for several nights together to complete his designs and
paintings. In spite of being the chairperson of a huge establishment, Kundu would spend plenty
of time in his world of art and colour. ―My father's management team was built in such a manner
that it would sometimes run for days without him coming to office,‖ says Amity. ―For instance,
while constructing 'Shabash Bangladesh', at one point he spent nights literally under the sky
trying to perfect his creation. In between all that, he would keep in touch with his team in Dhaka
and work over the phone.‖
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Nitun Kundu The Furniture pioneer
From a small investment of Tk. 5,000 and a studio workshop in Shukrabad in 1975 to one
of the largest successful furniture manufacturers and retailers, Otobi is a 36 year old
testament to Mr. Kundu's pure genius and ardour.
Combining his knack for creativity and futuristic outlook Nitun Kundu paved a path for
Otobi from its inception, which is still being followed continuously exploring, innovating
and striving to be the very best. His courage and talent taught everyone at Otobi to
foresee the future while growing in the present.
In the 1975, following a brief stint at Bitopi advertising agency, Nitun Kundu established
his own company, a furniture store featuring his own designs, OTOBI. Within a relatively
short period, OTOBI became the most prominent Bangladeshi furniture brand,
emphasizing the new nation's pride in its refund cultural identity after independence.
OTOBI quickly grew to become one of Bangladesh's top exported brands, with sales
primarily to India and the South East Asian countries.
It is said that Otobi was as much his child as his children, Amity and Animesh.
Interestingly, all of them have the first alphabet of Bangla language as the initial letter of
their respective names.
Introduction on OTOBI
Born in 1935 at Dinajpur, From humble beginnings in the corporate furniture realm to the
spectacular escalation into the lifestyle giant that it is now, OTOBI's story of success
spans merely 35 years. Providing holistic space solutions catering to all spheres of daily
life, OTOBI is well on its way to rising to the ranks of Asia's top three brands by 2020.
With creative reinvention pulsating through the entire organization, OTOBI has set out to
revolutionize the entire retail scenario starting off with Bangladesh.
In 1974 he conceived the idea of embarking into commercial venture and started
manufacturing decorative items at his residence and later at Shukrabad, in addition to
normal activities of painting and sculpture. The name of this mini workshop was ―The
Designers‖, employing only 4 persons.
A recipient of National Award for painting in 1965 and Bangabandhu Award in 1992,
Mr. Nitun Kundu set up a small workshop in a tin-shed at Topkhana Road in February
1977 and named it ―Art in Craft‖. Here, in addition to coat pin, cup, crest, trophy etc. he
started manufacturing decorative items, table lamp, and various types of metal furniture.
In 1978 he opened a show room at 230, New Elephant Road, Dhaka and gradually started
marketing all kinds of metal furniture in a professional manner.
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Mr. Nitun Kundu gradually
engaged a lot of Industrial,
Designers and Engineers.
Special efforts were made to
build up a core team of
highly skilled craftsmen. All
kinds of metal furniture
were being manufactured at
Mirpur Factory and
marketed through the Show
room at Elephant Road by
1988. Because of its
superior quality, OTOBI
products continued to gain
popularity. Mr. Nitun
Kundu developed a wide
range of furniture for office,
hospitals, residence and
slowly created a much wider
popularity for OTOBI
products.
Having widely travelled
all over the East and the
West, Mr. Nitun Kundu
gained sufficient
confidence and experience
by 1984, when he started
commercial production
under the name and brand
OTOBI. A great deal of
emphasis was given to
meet the need of
customers and OTOBI
products started gaining
popularity.
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Following training by
AOTS in Japan, Mr. Nitun
Kundu improved the
quality of OTOBI
products as well as sales
as marketing methods so
successfully that by 1993
he constructed a four
storied building at
Dilkusha C/A and opened
a display Centre there.
OTOBI, Dilkhusha
The market demand for OTOBI
products continued to rise and
company felt the need for expanding
its production capacities. Therefore,
Mr. Nitun Kundu set up another
factory at Shyampur, Dhaka,
covering land space of 64000 sq. ft.,
which went into experimental
production in November 1994. The
factory is now fully operational with
latest machinery to manufacture a
wide range of most sophisticated
furniture so that OTOBI can
compete in the international market.
The factory has now expanded to
3, 00,000 sq. ft.
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Due to the user preference of wooden furniture, OTOBI decided to give a similar feel to
their customers and started to produce furniture from Laminated Board from May, 1999.
This wood particleboard has a wood like surface and can be designed to look exactly like
wooden furniture. These products of OTOBI achieved tremendous market acceptance and
later Mr. Nitun Kundu created it to be ‗Knock-down‘ format to save storage space and
give carrying convenience to customer.
The special feature of OTOBI products is that it takes extensive care to combine
functional utility with elegance, keeping in view the efficient use of floor space, OTOBI
is now equipped with the latest machines and technology to manufacture all kinds of
sophisticated metal furniture including hospital furniture and such other items.
Mr. Nitun Kundu felt the need for introducing professionalism in his company and
accordingly engaged highly qualified management talent to meet the functional need of
the present day challenges. OTOBI entered into the international market by exporting
chairs to Ukraine in 1994.
OTOBI is fully conscious of its obligation to the society as a corporate citizen and is
currently marking all possible efforts to play its role effectively. Embarking into
commercial venture and started manufacturing decorative items at his residence and later
at Shukrabad.
Visions and Mission
OTOBI‘s vision is to become a major global brand and its current mission is to dominate
Asia-Pacific by 2020.
Planning
OTOBI is committed to provide excellent service and to exceed the expectations of its
customers. It wants the customers to remember ―OTOBI‟ as a memorable experience.
OTOBI aims to fulfill the objectives of the Company's growth and to meet the
expectations of all its employees.
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Awards
In their long journey, OTOBI has different kinds of awards from different activities.
These awards have given us spirit to go far away. The most well-known awards have
given like:
The most prominent award for OTOBI is the ISO certificate 9001:2000 certificate.
1. Enterprise of the Year .......... 2001
2. Several prize including first prize at DHAKA Export Fair
3. Prize on National Industrial Fair
Market segmentation
Identifying the consumers target is important because different consumers may have
different brand knowledge structures and thus different perception and preferences for the
brand. It may be difficult to be able to state which brand associations should be strongly
held favorable and unique. A number of considerations are important in defining and
segmenting the market and choosing target market segments. For OTOBI the target
market is huge starting from industrial organizations, medical organization, corporate and
individuals.
Market segmentation involves dividing the market into distinct groups of homogeneous
consumers who have similar needs and consumer behavior and thus require similar
marketing mixes.
For OTOBI the target market is the middle class to higher middle class as the produce
affordable furniture for living and commercial purposes.
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Job Responsibility As we think that OTOBI is the customer oriented company so, we always give priority to our
customers. For giving the customer support we always try to provide our best to the clients. We
are providing several of products only for the customer‘s satisfaction. I am working here since
January 10th.From the beginning of my work I have to look after to the customer‘s desires. I can
divide my job responsibility into three parts. As I am working OTOBI as an Executive Retail
under the CRM (Customer Relationship Management) department, I have to do several activities
related with the customers. The three parts I have divided for my job responsibilities are:
1. Direct dealings with the customer
2. Making the daily report
3. Other Activities
Promotion The in-house Communication department at Otobi works around the clock to ensure that all of
Otobi's products, services and promotional campaigns receive due attention. Otobi maintains
innovative, year-round promotional excitement to attract its customers and is visually present in
print media, television and outdoor billboards. The promotion strategy has evolved over the
years, alongside the brand. In the past, Otobi employed straight forward, product-based adverts
in above-the-line channels. It has moved on to discount campaigns since, and has developed
further into thematic campaigns. A comparison of figures demonstrating Otobi's actual ad
spending in the past with figures representing the present will substantiate the evolution of
Otobi's media presence. In FY 2004-05, the company spent a total of Tk 24,458,000 on
advertising, while in the last fiscal year, FY 2008-2009, Otobi spent Tk 86,333,201. This drastic
increment in advertising expenses has a direct relationship with the increase in sales and traffic
flow in the showrooms. In terms of below-the-line advertising, Otobi is involved in a number of
activities including direct mails, leaflets, catalogues, scratch cards and coupons, PR activation for
showroom launches, B2B sales, and follow up of the product condition by the Otobi Customer
Care department. The Business Research department is also involved in BTL activities, by
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easuring the level of customer satisfaction after sales. A recent campaign which received much
acclamation was the Metamorphosis TVC, which illustrates various types of transformations
taking place within a jungle. The campaign was launched in August 2009, and is being aired on
all Bangladeshi channels. Otobi depicted seven layers of meaning in this campaign: its outer
shell introduced solid wood furniture and its innermost shell appropriated an essence of
continuous reinvention. Within the lifestyle brand offering innovative and inspiring space
solutions. Otobi's range of furniture, furnishings and appliances are developed and marketed to
serve all ages and stages of homes, industries, institutions, hospitals and offices. Otobi
manufactures furniture from an assortment of materials, including laminated chip boards, wood,
MDF, sheet metal, tubes, plastic, cane and many more. Our wide range of furniture and fittings
are segmented category-wise and encompass areas such as bedrooms, children's rooms, dining
rooms, living rooms, study rooms, kitchens, hospitals, educational nstitutions, corporate offices,
industrial accents and deécors and retail stores among others. Otobi boasts an assortment of
about 1,100 generic stock keeping units, and a total of over 5,000 stock keeping units. The
company implements all possible global best practices in manufacturing supply chain
management and retailing, ensuring all products and services offered are of supreme quality. For
instance, Otobi's business research department conducts extensive surveys and interviews to
determine customers' responses to Otobi's endeavours, and this feedback is incorporated to
modify and diversify the existing intermediary shells, Otobi gathers inspiration from nature and
considers Otobian life as a garden or forest. Life goes on for travellers who gain motivation and
enlightenment from their journeys for their own metamorphosis. While advertising and
promotions are an integral part of the company's function, Otobi recognizes the role it can play in
furthering the development process in the country.
CSR policies
Otobi is committed to giving back to the society it operates in, with an emphasis on a triple
bottom line: people, planet, profit. The company has stepped forward to actively respond to the
needs of the public on numerous occasions, and CSR policies centre on aiding people in need,
victims of natural disasters, and supporting the development of meritorious students.
A few incidents where Otobi came to the fore without hesitation include:
A contribution worth Tk 5,00,000 as flood relief in 2007
A contribution worth Tk 5,00,000 for victims of Cyclone Sidr in 2008
A contribution worth Tk 9,66,238 to IBA in 2008
A contribution worth Tk 10,05,000 to Shahjalal University of Science and Technology in
Sylhet
A contribution worth Tk 1,26,000 to the Bangladesh Shishu Kishore Mela
A contribution worth Tk 10,00,000 to the Kidney Foundation
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Otobi also sponsored the winners' cash prizes at the Meridian Channel i Khudey Gaanraaj in
2009. In addition to these, Otobi has launched a Go Green program under the leadership of
freedom fighter Mr Abdul Khalek. As Go Green Ambassador, Mr Khalek has taken charge of the
nationwide tree plantation program, starting with young students in the first phase, at various
schools product line and make it even more alluring to consumers. An additional interior
department has been established to assist offices with implementing complete interior solutions
to meet consumers' overall needs. Otobi is completely committed to the environment, and keeps
solid wood furniture as low as 5% of the complete product range. The boards used are imported
from quality board manufacturers who comply with environment-friendly policies.
Recent Development Otobi has undergone major changes under the new management. The organizational structure
has been modified to include Portfolio Management, Category Management and Visual
Merchandising departments, which sets Otobi apart from other companies. In 2008, Otobi's
unique Lal-Foring Istishan was launched to cater to the needs of the firm's young customers. In
terms of management technique, Otobi introduced the Balanced
Scorecard system which aligns the organization's strategic decisions to the work accomplished
by its employees. Otobi's first wood plant was established in 2008 as well, in addition to the
existing two factories, which is a significant achievement for the company. In 2009, a
breakthrough collection dubbed "the complete office solution" was inaugurated under the sub-
brand Notepad. A major achievement for Otobi this past year was the launch of the
groundbreaking Otobi website. The website had been inactive for a very long time and the
company refused to put up a website that was below the Otobi standard. The concept that was
eventually developed sets a benchmark in the field with its thematic, interactive and completely
distinct nature. In Sylhet and Bogra, aiming for a cleaner, greener Bangladesh.
Brand Values Embedded in day to day affairs is Otobi's aspiration to be a creative "we" organisation in every
sense of the term. It is with teamwork and togetherness that challenges are met and overcome.
Creation, perfection and dynamism are the core values of Otobi. Quality, durability, excellence
and neat craftsmanship are not what Otobi strives to achieve, but features eminent in each Otobi
design. The company maintains its belief of setting its own benchmark and breaking it time and
time again. Embodying continuous innovation, Otobi is now an inspirational brand in homes and
offices, which is explicitly expressed through its products and communication.
At the heart of all activities in the company lies an innate need to constantly surprise; not just the
consumers, but Otobians too! The company thrives on the unique "keep reinventing" proposition.
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Flexible Manufacturing OTOBI manufacturers its furniture using state-of the-art technology, such as computerized
numerically controlled machines and solar kilns. OTOBI Limited is a leading crafted furniture
manufacturing company of Bangladesh introduced world class furniture through its five well
equipped production units in three Factories. Most of the machineries were sourced from China
and Germany with high flexibility of modification as required for their verities of design. OTOBI
is now the market leader in branded furniture, with almost 70% market share. Its product has also
entered into overseas market as a part of the expansion strategy. Overall business performance
trend of OTOBI Limited is good. 2 years back OTOBI launched Notepad
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Employee Rewards
To motivate employees OTOBI follows some rewards and motivational factors. An example
provided below to illustrate their reward and motivational system towards the employees.
―OTOBI employs over 5,000 people, including over 200 graduate engineers and business
graduates (MBA, BBA). Every year, OTOBI takes 100 to 200 of its employees to a five star
hotel to exercise the 'One OTOBI, One World' belief system, where the Chief Executive Officer
and the junior-most Executives are equally treated. ―OTOBI also values its employees, and takes
their concerns into consideration with an annual Employee Satisfaction survey.
Other Important issues The company has stepped forward to actively respond to the needs of the public on numerous
occasions, and CSR policies center on aiding people in need, victims of natural disasters, and
supporting the development of meritorious students. A few incidents where OTOBI came to the
fore without hesitation include
A contribute worth TK. 5,00,000 as flood relief in 2007.
A contribute worth TK. 5,00,000 for victims of Cyclone SIDR in 2008.
A contribute worth TK. 9,66,238 to IBA in2008.
A contribute worth TK. 10,05,000 to Shahjalal University of science and technology.
A contribution worth Tk 1,26,000 to the Bangladesh Shishu Kishore Mela to constantly
surprise; not just the consumers, but their employees too.
Problems Although our furniture company plays a vital role for the economic development of our country.
But it is not totally free from the problems. There are so many problems in our furniture
company and in our furniture marketing. These problems hamper our furniture company to earn
more profit and its development. The major problems are given below: Inadequate supply of
production technology.
Lack of consultancy services.
Limited access to quality inputs.
Absence of skilled work force.
Limitations in local and international marketing strategy.
Problems in distributing the furniture products.
Shortage of raw materials.
Inadequate supply of production technology
Technology is an important factor for increasing the production. Technological skill can play a
very good role for increasing and developing the products. Better supply of technology can help
our furniture company to increase its production. But we can notice that our furniture company
cannot use the better technology for the improvement of the furniture products. This is really a
severe problem for our furniture co.
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Lack of consultancy services
Consultancy services are very important for producing better quality furniture products. But the
lack of consultancy services hampers our furniture company to earn more profit. Term Paper on
Furniture Marketing in Bangladesh Limited access to quality inputs A better input helps to get
better output. But its limited access does not make any good result.
Absence of skilled workforce
Although our country is over populated but there is a shortage of skilled workforce in our
country. We can gain the best quality products from the skilled workforce. But unskilled
workforce are failed to produce better furniture products. Making furniture is a technical process.
So skilled workforce are required for Furniture Company. Limitations in local and international
marketing strategy the success of a company mostly depends on its marketing strategy.
Marketing strategy is very important for every type of business organization. But it‘s local and
international limitations are threatening for our furniture co. Problems in distributing the
furniture products our furniture company cannot distribute its product to the whole country
because there are so many problems they face.
Shortage of raw materials
Although our country has many trees. Our people cutting down these trees unreasonably. Our
furniture company cannot collect more raw materials for producing more furniture.
Present Market Situation During the early days of Otobi, a patron had visited Kundu and ordered 500 chairs. That was
when the saga of building his empire actually began. Now, with a factory in Shyampur, Otobi's
creations and designs have crossed the mark of excellence, constructing one new structure after
the other. Otobi controls about 80% of the country's branded furniture market at present. For the
last three years, Otobi has been achieving a double-digit growth with an average of over 20%
increase in year-onyear sales, despite the global economic downturn and great stagflation in FY
2007-08. In a market of over Tk 1,500 crores, the organised market is estimated to be close to Tk
500 crores. Otobi is marketing to and providing the price-sensitive customers with affordable
solutions through its masstige value proposition (prestige for the mass). Otobi considers itself to
be its most significant competitor, aiming to constantly break its own standards and raise the bar
even higher. Otobi serves its customers and consumers through a nationwide distribution
network, including over 400 retail outlets, exclusive dealers and franchises.
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Exhibitions
Besides, before doing the business and in the time of his business Nitun Kundu hold some
exhibitions of his arts.
His exhibitions were as follows –
Solo Exhibition 1965: East Pakistan Art Council, Dhaka
1966: US Information Service, Dhaka
1967: US Information Service, Chittagong
1968: US Information Service, Rajshahi
2007: The Creative Mind, Bengal Gallery of Fine Arts, Dhaka
Group Exhibition (Home)
1957 : National Art Exhibition, Dhaka
1962 : German Cultural Centre, Dhaka
1962 : Ensemble Gallery, Dhaka
1963 : East Pakistan Painters Exhibition, Chittagong
1963 : Contemporary Painters, Dhaka
1964 : National Art Exhibition, Dhaka
1964 : Graphic Exhibition, Dhaka
1966 : Abstract Painting Exhibition, Dhaka
1969 : Nabanna Painting Exhibition, Dhaka
1970 : Kalbaishakhi Painting Exhibition, Dhaka
1973 : Silver Jubilee Exhibition, College of Arts and Crafts, Dhaka
1975-98 : National Art Exhibition, Dhaka
1976 : Life in Bangladesh Art Exhibition, Dhaka
1977 : 1st National Sculpture Exhibition, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Dhaka
1981-99 : Asian Art Biennale Exhibition, Dhaka
2000 : Sreejan Shomahar, Bengal Gallery of Fine Arts, Dhaka
2001 : Contemporary Art of Bangladesh,Cultural Centre, High Commission of India, Dhaka
Group Exhibition (Abroad)
1956 : East Pakistan Art Exhibition, Baghdad
1958 : Art Exhibition, Tokyo
1959 : Pakistan National Art Exhibition, Karachi
1962 : East Pakistan Painters Exhibition, Rawalpindi
1963 : East Pakistan Painters Exhibition, Lahore
1965 : Chicago Artists Exhibition, USA
1967 : Painters Exhibition, UK
1971 : Contemporary Art Exhibition of Bangladesh, Calcutta, Bombay and Delhi, India
1973 : Contemporary Art Exhibition of Bangladesh, Delhi, Bombay and Calcutta, India
1978 : 4th Triennial, Delhi, India
1979 : Art Exhibition, Tokyo
1980 : Asian Art Festival, Fukuoka, Japan
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Prizes & Awards
He also achieved some prizes and awards for his work as well as for his furniture
business workshop, OTOBI.
His achieving prizes and awards were
1965: National Painting Award
1968: Gold Medal in Painting, Mobile Art Exhibition
1993: Bangladesh Charushilpi Sangsad Honour Award on the occasion of Shilpacharya Zainul
Abedin Birth Anniversary
1997: Ekushe Padak in the field of Culture (Highest Civilian Award in Bangladesh)
2001: Bangladesh Business Award (organised by DHL & The Daily Star) OTOBI
Conclusion
Today, Nitun Kundu is not here as he died in September 15, 2006. Yet his dedication and
resilience are reflected in all that he has left behind. The passion, ideals and fortitude with which
he started Otobi have, over the years, grown to become the ethos of this organisation and its
people. It is through today's Otobians that the spirit of Nitun Kundu lives on eternally. He
created something magnificent from virtually nothing, and never marked an end to how far his
creation can go, and now it is the honour and duty of those associated with Otobi to take it
further.
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References
1. , (Shilpo uddokta, shilpi
Nitun Kundu ar nei, Postogola Smoshane Sheshkritto aaj, Daily Prothom Alo, September 16, 2006.
Online Sources
1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Otobi 2. https://www.facebook.com/search/more/?q=Nitun+Kundu&init=p
ublic 3. http://forum.daffodilvarsity.edu.bd/index.php?topic=10208.0 4. http://www.bangladeshinfo.com/history/nitun-kundu-december-3-
1935-september-15-2006/ 5. http://www.bengalfoundation.org/artist/nitun-kundu/ 6. http://archive.thedailystar.net/beta2/news/nitun-kundu-a-multi-
dimensional-personality/ 7. http://www.snnbd.com/newsdetails.php?cat_id=0.16&id=87 8. http://www.banglapedia.org/HT/K_0401.htm 9. http://ca.linkedin.com/pub/nitun-kundu/5b/b89/582 10. http://www.evi.com/q/biography_of_nitun_kundu
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