Nazrul’s 122nd Birthday Today

The 122nd birth anniversary of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam is being observed today in the country in a befitting manner.

The cultural affairs ministry, Dhaka University and cultural organisation "Mukto Asar" have taken up programmes to celebrate the birth anniversary of the national poet on a limited scale due to the pandemic. 

State Minister for Cultural Affairs KM Khalid will place a floral wreath at Nazrul's mazar on the Dhaka University campus at 7:30 am.

DU VC Prof Akhtaruzzaman will also place wreaths at the mazar in the morning.

Meanwhile, President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in separate messages yesterday paid rich tributes to the memory of the poet on the occasion of his birth anniversary.

They prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul of the national poet and wished overall success of all programmes taken up on the occasion.

Nazrul was born on the 11th Joishtha in Bengali calendar year 1306 in Churulia near Asansol of West Bengal's Burdwan district.

He was the poet of rebellion against injustice and taboos. He is famous for his poem Bidrohi (The Rebel) and his many melodious songs.

He was a poet, lyricist, musician, revolutionary and philosopher. There are 2,400 of his songs, and together, they are known as Nazrul Sangit.

Although known for his rabid criticism of imperialism, social and religious taboos, Nazrul explored the themes of love, romance and devotion also.

He introduced a robust style that was very bold and innovative. His use of Persian and Arabic words in Bengali poetry also opened up new literary horizons.

In the 1930s, the leading gramophone company of India, HMV, employed him as a lyricist. Later, All-India Broadcasting Authority employed him.

He also wrote and directed a play, Byathar Dan (The gift of pain).

But his luck ran out once again and in 1942, he developed a rare neurological disorder that led to the loss of his voice and memory. Doctors in Vienna diagnosed it as Pick's disease.

After Bangladesh's independence, Nazrul was declared the national poet and he was brought to Dhaka from Kolkata.

The poet died in Dhaka in 1976. He was buried beside the central mosque of Dhaka University.

Source: BSS