Poet Nazrul created a cultural bridge between India and Bangladesh through his works, says granddaughter Khilkhil Kazi
Dhaka, May 25
Renowned Bengali poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, popularly known as the "Rebel Poet", served as a cultural link between the people of both India and Bangladesh through his literary works and music. His granddaughter Khilkhil Kazi highlighted how people from both countries loved him immensely, and that he spent most of his life in both countries.
As the 127th birth anniversary of Kazi Nazrul Islam is being celebrated in both India and Bangladesh, Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman inaugurated a three-day commemorative programme in honour of the poet and declared this year as the "Nazrul Year". Various events are being organised across Bangladesh to mark the occasion, including floral tributes at the poet's shrine, musical performances, discussions, seminars and symposia dedicated to his life and literary contributions in Bangladesh.
"Kazi Nazrul Islam was born in West Bengal, India, and he spent a significant part of his life in India as well. After Bangladesh's independence, in 1972, the then-Bangladesh government, led by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, invited him to come to Bangladesh. However, he worked in both countries, and the people of both nations loved him immensely", Khilkhil Kazi, granddaughter of Kazi Nazrul Islam, said in an interview with ANI.
She noted that discussions are underway regarding a joint project on Kazi Nazrul Islam between Bangladesh and India, and that a joint event centred around the poet's songs is likely to be organised in December this year. She also stated that a delegation from Bangladesh will visit the poet's birthplace in Churulia in West Bengal to pay tribute to him.
However, there has been no official confirmation from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) regarding the proposed event.
"There is a desire to hold a grand event about Nazrul music artists between Kolkata and Dhaka. This will most probably take place in December, and there will be a grand event of Nazrul music there", Khilkhil Kazi, also the chairman of Bangladesh Nazrul Institute and a researcher of Nazrul Sangeet.
— ANI
Reader Comments
The Rebel Poet's writings still resonate today. His call for equality and justice is timeless. However, I wish the Indian government would also proactively organize events like this, rather than just waiting for Bangladesh to take the lead. Cultural diplomacy needs more push from our side too.
As someone who grew up in the US, I've only recently discovered Nazrul's poetry through online translations. His work is so powerful and universal. It's heartening to see both India and Bangladesh honoring him. This shows how art can truly transcend political divides.
Nazrul Sangeet is an integral part of Bengali culture. Many of us in Kolkata grew up listening to his songs. The proposed joint event in December sounds fantastic – it could be a great platform for cultural exchange. But need to ensure the MEA gets on board quickly; delays can dampen momentum.
Nazrul truly bridged the gap between the two Bengals. His poetry against oppression and for humanity is as relevant today as it was a century ago. Let's hope the "Nazrul Year" sees more initiatives to preserve and promote his works, especially among the younger generation. 🌸
Respect to both India and Bangladesh for keeping Nazrul's legacy alive. I visited Dhaka last year and was amazed how his songs are still sung in schools and cultural events. A joint project sounds promising – hope it's more than just rhetoric and actually results in concrete steps like digitizing his manuscripts.
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