Mou Modhubontee, a distinguished poet, storyteller, lyricist, poetry reciter, stage performer, and live stage show host, originates from the progressive Noakhali District of Bangladesh. Her literary journey began at the tender age of grade five, nurtured by a forward-thinking family and the profound mentorship of her parents. Today, she stands as a beacon of Bengali literature and a global advocate for humanism.
Mou Modhubontee’s academic journey is as illustrious as her literary accomplishments. She holds a Master’s Degree with distinction from Dhaka University and has pursued specialized studies in Food and Nutrition Management and Financial Planning at Centennial College in Canada. Currently, she is advancing her intellectual pursuits as a Ph.D. student in Business Management. Her recent research includes two groundbreaking papers on “The position of Bangladeshi female writers in Bangladesh after liberation,” in collaboration with Dr. Dhanonjoy Saha, reflecting her dedication to highlighting and empowering voices in literature.
Mou Modhubontee’s literary works resonate with her profound love for humanity. An experimental writer, her creations explore the core essence of human existence, bridging cultural divides through both Bengali and English compositions. Beyond the written word, she actively engages in community activism and is a committed member of global climate change initiatives. While rejecting the confines of feminism, she champions humanism—a philosophy that underscores her writings and actions.
Mou’s spiritual lyrics and thought-provoking writings have earned her a place in esteemed international publications such as the American Anthology and the Cross Variety Canadian Anthology. Her leadership roles include serving as the executive director of Lolitokontho Shworoshoilir Nondon Bondhoni, a poetry recital organization, and as Editor of KobitaUtsab Online and Khelaghor Pata, both of which are monthly Bengali poetry platforms. Her global presence is solidified through her participation in prestigious literary events like the Buenos Aires Book Fair (Argentina), Odyssey International Festival (Romania), London Bangla Boimela (UK), Belgrade Cultural Event (Serbia), and Guadalajara Book Fair (Mexico). Since 2021, she has proudly served as the North American Ambassador for the Panorama International Literary Festival.
Mou Modhubontee’s literary portfolio comprises fourteen published books, showcasing her versatility across poetry and storytelling. Notable works include Rakta Nadi Eka (2006), Bangladesh My Soil My Soul, Haiku Blezt, Gandhhorbo Bivash, Okkhor Britter Podaboli, and her latest offering, From Birdsong to Motherhood (2024). Each piece reflects her deep connection to her roots and her enduring commitment to cultural and literary enrichment.
Mou’s tireless dedication to literature and community has garnered her numerous awards. These include the Excellence in Literature Award by the India Bangladesh Cultural Council, the Barasat Women of the Year Award, the World Poetic Star Award, the BuRiGanga Peace and Environment Award, and the Hannes Awaad Peace Award. Additionally, she has received six international awards from India, Bangladesh, and Romania, along with the Can Bangla Social & Cultural Award and the SAFSS Volunteer & Literary Award.
As an influential figure in the literary world, Mou serves as the advisor for The Bengali International Literary Society, Inc., USA. Since 2020, she has presided over the Bangladesh Writers Club Canada, fostering a supportive environment for writers to thrive. Her leadership inspires countless individuals to pursue creative excellence and amplify Bengali literature on the global stage.
Mou Modhubontee aspires to bring the beauty of Bengali poetry to 100 countries worldwide. Her performances have already captivated audiences in ten nations, emphasizing her commitment to cultural exchange and the universality of art.
Mou’s poem, Eternal Flow: A Love Letter to Water, encapsulates her unique voice and her ability to weave profound themes into verse. The poem, featured at the Panorama International Literature Festival 2025, explores the life-giving and transformative power of water:
Eternal Flow: A Love Letter to Water
In the baby’s cradle of life, it is rushing.
An eternal law that nature knows.
A molecule, as vengeful as it is benevolent.
Water, the silent architect, shapes the destinies of humankind.
In fragile drops, creation stirs,
The architect of what occurs.
From seas long before life itself was a thing,’ says John.
To blood in the man’s chest.
A paradox—so soft, yet strong,
It balances the ship when it is out of whack.
It bends towards the ground, bows to heaven, and becomes one with the sky.
Yet sculpts the mountains unaware.
The writer’s dream, the wise man’s tale.
Water, in an endless cycle, forevermore.
Evaporates, yet never dies,
A crowbar whispered up the trees.
Civilizations rise and fall,
In streams which listen to nature.
Empires are tremendous and then sunk, ashes in the sky.
When rivers dry up, dry up they must.
So treasure it, this brevity, so short.
Water is a mirror of our mortality, a picture of our death.
And for there is a truth therein: In its inner core lies:
Life belongs to water.
Mou Modhubontee’s life and work exemplify the power of art, literature, and advocacy to transcend borders and unite humanity. Her relentless pursuit of excellence and her unwavering dedication to Bengali literature continue to inspire countless individuals around the globe. As a voice for humanism and a champion of cultural exchange, she remains a luminary in the literary world.
