Through most of his coveted works, national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam heralds an indomitable spirit that inspires people to fight against all forms of oppression. This unflinching, rebellious spirit of Nazrul was hailed by speakers as the poet was commemorated on the second day of the Fourth International Nazrul Convention. The event that has been organised by Nazrul Charcha Kendra, was held at the Music and
Dance Centre of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy on Wednesday.
The four-day convention, which began with a seminar on Nazrul’s work and life at Bangla Academy on Tuesday, has been organised to mark the national poet’s 115th birth anniversary, which will fall on May 25.
The second day of the convention featured a discussion session and presentation of Nazrul’s songs and poems in group and chorus renditions.
The speakers at the discussion session observed that Kazi Nazrul Islam was a poet who spent his entire life in fighting for the oppressed people of the society. He fought not only in battle fields with rifles but also with his pen and poetic genius by creating timeless literature.
The speakers also observed that Nazrul was conscious about what was going on in other parts of the world and he brought out different international socio-political issues of his time in his writings.
Professor emeritus Dr. Anisuzzaman was present as chief guest at the discussion session. Chairman of the national committee of the Kendra, Karunamoy Goswami, Nazrul researcher Syed Hasmot Ali, Nazrul singer Bulbul Mahlanbish, and head of the department of Asian Language and Culture of Columbia University of the United States Rachel Fell McDermott were also present as special guests at the programme. The event was chaired by Nazrul researcher Dr. Badhan Sengupta from India.
The discussion session was followed by solo recitation of Nazrul’s classic poem Bidrohi by cultural personality Iqbal Bahar Chowdhury.
Singers of different Nazrul organisations including BAFA, Nazrul Institute and others took part in a chorus rendition of the poet’s evergreen song Chol Chol Chol.
Noted and promising artistes of Bangladesh and India presented popular songs of Nazrul at the programme.
The third day of the convention took place on Thursday at the National Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam College premises at Trisal in Mymensingh. The programme consisted of a seminar on the works of Nazrul and also a cultural show.
Today, the convention will end at Teyota Jaminder bari in Manikgonj where local artistes will present Nazrul songs.
-With New Age input
