Rebel poet in our times

Young artistes perform at the event.

In celebration of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam's 115th birth anniversary, Nazrul Institute, under the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, chalked out elaborate programmes at different venues in Trishal-Darirampur, Comilla-Daulatpur, Chittagong and Dhaka, places where the bard left his creative and memorable mark.
Three-day (May25-26 and 28) celebration programmes featuring insightful discussions on the rebel poet's life and literary works, rendition of his songs, recitation of poems, staging of plays along with dance presentations concluded at Nazrul Institute auditorium, Kobi Bhaban, Dhanmondi on May 28. Cultural Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman Noor, MP graced the occasion as chief guest while Secretary for the Ministry Dr. Ranjit Kumar Biswas, NDC attended the event as special guest. They delivered speeches at the event emphasising Nazrul's literary genius in relevance to the past, present and future centuries. “Nazrul is an anti-imperialistic poet. Nazrul's literature and music are the symbol of hope and aspiration. He is relevant to our national life as he dreamt of an exploitation-free, democratic and developed country,” said Asaduzzaman Noor.
Eminent folklorist and DG of Bangla Academy Professor Shamsuzzaman Khan and vice-chancellor of Jatiyo Kobi Kazi Nazrul Islam University Professor Mohit Ul Alam discussed on the topic “Ekush Shotok-e Nazrul-er Prashongikota” at the event. Executive director of the institute Ikram Ahmed delivered the welcome address while chairman of Nazrul Institute Trustee Board Professor Emeritus Rafiqul Islam presided over the discussion. Poet Rezauddin Stalin emceed the event.
The organisers awarded certificates to 38 child and young artistes who won titles in painting, recitation and rendition of Nazrul Sangeet competitions grouped in three categories.      
Solo and choral rendition of songs, recitations, dance presentation and staging of a Nazrul play “Jago Sundar Chirokishore” followed.
Young artistes of Nazrul Institute set off the cultural section with a monsoon melody song “Esho Hey Sajal Shyam Ghano Deya”.

Asaduzzaman Noor speaks.

Noted Nazrul artistes came next on stage to render solos. Eminent singer Shaheen Samad captivated many hearts with her romantic song “Aj Nishithey Abhishar”. Noted Nazrul singer Sadya Afreen Mallick performed the first recorded ghazal, “Bhuli Kemoney”, composed by the bard. Legendary singer Angur Bala recorded the ghazal. Sadya A Mallick then requested the Cultural Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman Noor to observe the national poet's anniversary programmes on a grand scale in the capital--possibly at Suhrawardy Udyan, opposite the National Poet's mausoleum to engage a larger and appreciative audience.
Chhayanut general secretary Khairul Anam Shakil captivated Nazrul enthusiasts with the melody of kavyageeti “Pashaner Bhangaley Ghum”. Ferdous Ara rendered a film song “Usha Elo Chupi Chupi”. Kazi Nazrul Islam directed music for the film “Gora”, written by Tagore. Manosh Kumar Das superbly performed “Uchaton Mon Ghar-e Royna”. Yakub Ali Khan, Fatema Tuj- Zohra, Kalpana Anam, Selina Hossain and Bipasha Guha Thakurta were among others who rendered solos at the event. Kabirul Islam Ratan and his troupe presented dances. Elocutionist Laila Afroz recited a Nazrul poem “Sundari”. Dr. Shahadat Hossain Nipu also recited at the event.
Nazrul Institute, together with Public Library Department jointly inaugurated a weeklong (May 25-31) display of Nazrul's books at the public library premises. The showcasing remains open from 10am to 8pm daily. A weeklong (May 25-31) photography exhibition on Nazrul is also on at Poet Sufia Kamal auditorium of Bangladesh National Museum. Nazrul Institute joining hands with Bangladesh National Museum organised the exhibition that remains open from 10:30am to 5pm everyday.