Poet Nazrul Islam’s 125th birth anniversary today

Today is the 125th birth anniversary of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. The day is being celebrated across the country today in a befitting manner.

Kazi Nazrul Islam is renowned as the “rebel poet” for his powerful literary contributions across various Bengali genres.

Born in Churulia village, West Bengal, on this day in 1899, Nazrul’s works inspired resistance against injustice and oppression. His fiery poetry and creative genius have left an indelible mark on Bengali literature.

Government and non-government organizations, along with cultural platforms, are commemorating the day with various programs, including cultural performances and discussions about Nazrul’s life and legacy.

President Mohammed Shahbuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages paying rich tributes to the memory of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam.

The Ministry of Cultural Affairs has organized numerous events to honor Nazrul nationally. Institutions such as Dhaka University are also hosting events. The poet’s 125th birth anniversary is being observed in Mymensingh and Daulatpur, Cumilla, locations of special significance to him.

National broadcasting mediums, including Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar, alongside private TV channels, will air the inaugural ceremony and special programs. Print media will publish special supplements to mark the occasion.

The Ministry of Cultural Affairs has planned a three-day program from May 25 to 27 at the National Museum in Shahbagh, to be inaugurated by Deputy Leader of the Jatiya Sangsad Begum Matia Chowdhury at 4:00 pm.

Chhayanaut, a leading cultural institution, is hosting a three-day 'Nazrul Uthsob 1431' starting from May 25 at Chhayanaut Sangskriti Bhaban, Dhanmondi. The festival, featuring performances of songs, dances, readings, and poetry recitations, will conclude with the unveiling of “Nazrul Sangeet: Tothyo, Bhab O Shurashandhan,” a publication on 50 Nazrul songs.

Nazrul, who wrote 2,600 songs, 600 poems, three novels, and 43 articles, began his career while serving in the British Army in 1917. His famous poem 'Bidrohi' (The Rebel) was published in 1921. He later launched the magazine 'Dhumketu' (The Comet) in 1922. His active participation in the Indian Independence Movement led to multiple imprisonments by British authorities.

Nazrul’s works, rich in themes of freedom, humanity, love, and revolution, opposed religious, caste, and gender discrimination. His contributions to Bengali music include creating the genre ‘Nazrul Geeti,’ encompassing 4,000 songs.

In 1942, Nazrul began losing his voice and memory due to Pick’s disease, a rare neurodegenerative ailment. In 1972, his family moved to Bangladesh at the government's invitation. Dhaka University awarded him an honorary post-doctoral degree in 1974, and he received the Ekushey Padak in 1976.

Kazi Nazrul Islam passed away in Dhaka on August 29, 1976.