On the 101st birthday of my father, Poet Talim Hossain

My father, Poet Talim Hossain, is an extraordinary name, a huge canvas.  Irrespective of age, people with the good fortune of meeting him were awestruck by his amazing vibe. Today is the 101st birthday of the great man.

On February 2, 1999, he left us for good. To this day, his friends and associates remember him with great affection and reminisce the hours spent in his company. When I listen to them, I am amazed to learn that he was a source of inspiration to so many people. All five of his children  – Me, Shabnam, Perveen, Shariyar  and Hasnain  are well established in our respective disciplines. Our mother, famous journalist and writer Mafruha Chowdhury, had a great role in our achievements. Our parents encouraged us to practice various forms of music, art and literature, the essense of which is also present among their grandchildren.

My father’s poems tends to emit extravagant feelings in the reader, incorporating beautiful thoughts in a language everyone can understand. In my opinion, it was one of his most special abilities.

His grandson had written a poem, where you read downwards, the first letter of each line forms the name `Talim Hossain’. On this auspicious day, I dedicate this poem to my father, and offer him my deepest respects.