The Institute of Fine Arts (IFA), in Pabna, recently observed Rabindra-Nazrul Jayanti. A programme was held at the organisation's premises on Thursday to mark this momentous occasion. A discussion and cultural programme was held to celebrate the 148th birth anniversary of Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore and the 110th birth anniversary of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam.
Pabna Deputy Commissioner Dr. AFM Monjur Kadir was chief guest at the discussion while Additional Deputy Commissioner Saydur Rahman; Chief Executive Officer Pabna District Board, Mohammad Sadar Ali Biswas were special guests. Cultural activists also joined their voices in the course of the discussion.
The speakers focused on the life and works of the two poets. Speakers asserted that Rabindranath and Nazrul had popularised Bengali literature around the world through their distinctive writings.
“ Tagore's works had great philosophical depth. His writings soothed the anguished human spirit and established him as a universal writer," said the speakers.
Similarly Kazi Nazrul Islam was eulogised. “As a Rebel Poet, Kazi Nazrul Islam inspired the whole nation. He revolted against colonialism, conservativeness and religious dogmatism. Nazrul's works also inspired the nation to raise its voice against Pakistani occupation forces. He is the epitome of patriotism," pointed out the speakers.
The speakers also maintained that Kazi Nazrul Islam's common themes in his writings were simultaneously love and rebellion. Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam both are major assets to Bangla literature, said the speakers.
Later a cultural programme was held. Noted artistes of the district performed Rabindra and Nazrul songs and recited their poems. Among the artistes, music teacher Abul Hassem and Shafique Uddin Ahmed conducted the cultural programme. Cultural activists Sarwar Khan Milon and Meher Sultana coordinated the programme.