Nazrul Institute's Homage to the National Poet

Artistes of Nazrul Institute perform a chorus. Photo: Atl Aakash

To pay homage to the National Poet on his 37th death anniversary, Nazrul Institute under the Ministry of Cultural Affairs organised a three- day (August 25-27) National Nazrul Sammelan (at divisional level) at the main auditorium of Bangladesh National Museum. The event featured discussions and cultural programmes.
On the opening day (August 25), Cultural Affairs Minister Abul Kalam Azad as chief guest handed over Nazrul Padak-2012 to eminent writer-researcher Anupam Hayat and noted Nazrul artiste MA Mannan. The award recipient duo received Taka 50,000 each along with crests. Chairman of Nazrul Institute Professor Rafiqul Islam presided over the programme. Apart from music performances, the opening day's cultural event showcased a dance recital by noted exponent Munmun Ahmed and her troupe. Dancer Deepa Khandakar also led her troupe at the second day's cultural show.
Several socio-cultural organisations placed wreaths at the poet's grave on the Dhaka University campus on August 27 morning and organised programmes, including discussions and cultural functions, marking the day.

Shaheen Samad render solos at the event. Photo: Atl Aakash

The Nazrul Institute chalked out elaborate programme in observance of the poet's death anniversary. Executive director of the institute, Rashid Haider delivered the welcome address on the concluding day (August 27). Nazrul researcher Poet Nurul Huda and a member of the Nazrul Institute Trustee Board and granddaughter of the poet, Khilkhil Kazi spoke at the programme. Eminent Nazrul exponent Professor Rafiqul Islam chaired the discussion.
A cultural programme followed where artistes and elocutionists performed solo and choral songs and recitations. Among others, noted artistes Khalid Hossain, Shaheen Samad, Yakub Ali Khan, Khairul Anam Shakil and Ferdous Ara presented solos “Masjider-i Pashey Amar”, “Ajo Ka(n)dey Kanoney Koyelia”, “Korun Keno Arun Aa(n)khi”, “Otit Diner Smriti” and “Amar Kali Banchha Kalpatoru” respectively. Shaheen Samad's rendition of the Hameer genre coupled with taan and tehai performance was evocative while Ferdous Ara did apt justice to the kirtan number. Noted artistes Yasmin Mushtari and Shamsunnahar Chowdhury also rendered solo songs at the event.

Ferdous Ara render solos at the event. Photo: Atl Aakash

Elocutionist Mahidul Islam presented a Nazrul poem “Shaat-il-Arab”. Child artistes of the institute rendered a choral song and presented a group recitation. Senior artistes of the institute wrapped up the programme with the rendition of a choral patriotic song “Ei Amader Bangladesh”.