113th anniversary of Kazi Nazrul Islam

(Clockwise from left): Artistes of Nrityanchal demonstrated a vibrant dance at Shilpakala Academy. A choral performance by the artistes of Chhayanaut. Renowned singer Mustafa Zaman Abbasi awarded the 'Nazrul Academy Award 2012'. Awardees with eminent Nazrul artistes at the ceremony.Photo: STAR

The first day of the two-day celebrations of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam's 113th birth anniversary as well as the 90th anniversary of publication of the poem “Bidrohi” featured discussions, music, recitations and dance. Bangladesh and India jointly arranged the programme at the National Theatre Hall, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, on May 25-26.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina formally inaugurated the celebration on May 25 in the morning at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre.
The second session of the day's programme [at the National Theatre Hall] commenced with a discussion on the subject, “Nazrul-er Bidroher Swarup Ebong 'Bidrohi' Kabita”. Poet Muhammad Nurul Huda presented the keynote paper, while Professor Mohit-ul-Alam and Nazrul researcher Badhon Sengupta (India) discussed various aspects of the topic.
Professor Emeritus Serajul Islam Choudhury presided over the discussion. In his remarks, Professor Choudhury said, “Nazrul penned poems and songs to fight against odds and to ensure freedom for people. As an individual, he was directly involved with such struggles. Discrimination will always go parallel with human struggle. We have to look forward to the future, once we have overcome such discrimination.”
Executive Director of Nazrul Institute Rashid Haider delivered the vote of thanks.
After the discussion, the cultural programme started with a choral rendition of the song, “O Bhai Khati Shonar Cheye”. Artistes of Dhaka Shangskritik Dol took part in the rendition. This was followed by a rendition of “Jago, Anoshan Bondi”.
Artistes of Nrityanchal demonstrated a vibrant dance with the song “Chal, Chal, Chal”.
Bangladesh's eminent Nazrul artistes, notably Ferdous Ara, Nashid Kamal, Rebeka Sultana, Shahin Samad, Salauddin Ahmed, Lina Taposhi Khan, Sujit Mustafa, Khilkhil Kazi and Fahmida Rahman rendered solo numbers.
Nashid Kamal, Rebeka Sultana and Ferdous Ara respectively sang “Bashite Shur Shuniye”, “Dhulite Kar” and “Ami Kul Chhere Cholilam”. Indian singer Susmita Goswami rendered “Mor Bodhu Jeno Badha Thake”.
Nazrul exponent Sudhin Das directed the musical phase of the programme.
Indian elocutionist Pradip Ghosh recited two poems, including “Gahi Shamyer Gaan”, while Bangladeshi elocutionist Shahadat Hossain recited the ever popular “Kandari Hushiar”.
The day's programme also included a dance recital by Nritya Bihar of Khulna.