The International Centre for Nazrul, a newly formed organisation that aims to promote the national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam’s work internationally, organised a discussion and cultural programme on Saturday, at the Bay Galleria of Radius Centre in Gulshan 1, to celebrate the 90th anniversary of Nazrul’s epic poem ‘Bidrohi‘(The Rebel) and to declare the formal launching of the organisation.
Nazrul exponent professor Rafiqul Islam, also the advisor to the steering committee of the organisation IC-Nazrul, delivered a welcome speech, mentioning ‘The Rebel’ as one of the best poems of 20th century world literature.
He also briefed the audience on the IC-Nazrul’s plans, such as promoting translations of Nazrul’s unique works in international languages, organising international standard programmes of Nazrul, collecting Nazrul’s authentic works, coordinating Nazrul’s institutions and platforms across the globe and others’.
Member of IC-Nazrul, Mikhail I Islam, presented a powerpoint presentation on the life-sketch of Nazrul and the objectives of IC-Nazrul, in brief.
Nazrul singer Leena Taposi Khan, also the general secretary of the steering committee, and Sadaf Saaz Siddiqi, member of IC-Nazrul, anchored the programme and presented a special message from Nazrul exponent Dr Gulshan Ara of Connecticut USA, at the event. Dr Zasheem Ahmed from Scotland, an economist and chair of the Nazrul-Burns arts centre delivered a speech at the event.
Khilkhil Kazi, granddaughter of Kazi Nazrul Islam, wished IC-Nazrul’s success and Dr Manzoor Ahmed, senior advisor at institute of educational development of BRAC University, spoke on the significance and glory of the poem ‘The Rebel’.
Recitation artistes Seema Islam presented the Bengali version of the poem ‘The Rebel’ while Canadian-Sri Lankan businessman in Bangladesh, Muraly Sri Narayanathas, recited boldly the English version of the poem.
Eminent singer Salauddin Ahmed and Yasmin Mushtari rendered Nazrul songs at the event. Salauddin Ahmed rendered ‘Sabar katha koile’ and ‘Palash mujulika’, which enthralled the audience. Yasmin Mushtari amused audience with Nazrul’s first gazhal ‘Bulbulite jash ne tui’ and ‘Tepantarer mathey’.
Artistes of Shadhana amused the audience with a dance choreography blending Nazrul’s three poems ‘Bolo Bir’, ‘Karar Oi Lauho Kapat’ and ‘Maro jhajhar moto’ choreographed by Amit Chowdhury and Sabbir Ahmed Khan Bizu.
AK Khan Foundation was patron of the event and its trustee secretary Salahuddin Kasem Khan presented his speech at the end of the programme.
-With New Age input
