Bangla Academy observes Nazrul birth anniversary
May 30, 2009
Bangla Academy observed the 110th birth anniversary of our National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam at the seminar hall of the academy on May 28. The event included a discussion, recitation and musical programme featuring eminent Nazrul Sangeet artistes. Director General of Bangla Academy, Shamsuzzaman Khan welcomed the audience saying, “A poet of remarkable talent, Nazrul contributed greatly to the cultural movement of this subcontinent.
Through his works, which drew inspiration from diverse cultural heritages, in particular the inclusion of Muslim values and sentiments which were otherwise missing in the movement known as the ‘Bengali Renaissance,’ Nazrul enriched our literature and music.” The DG also regretted the fact that being a national institute, Bangla Acdemy observed Nazrul’s birth anniversary three days later than the actual date. He declared that from now on, Bangla Academy would hold the celebration programme on May 25.
Professor Bishwajit Ghosh presented the keynote paper at the discussion. The paper focused on the representation of the marginalised in Nazrul’s literature: “Emerging from the part of the society which can be termed as the bottom of the bottom, Nazrul created a discourse for the subaltern (a term used by Gramsci, referring to people living on the fringes of society). Noticeably enough, the protesting voices are of women. Through characters like Chandara, Mejo Bou or Bindi, Nazrul addressed social oppression and injustice.”
Commenting on Professor Ghosh’s paper, eminent Nazrul researcher Dr. Karunamaya Goswami noted that the reason behind Nazrul’s commitment to write for the oppressed is his profound socio-political consciousness. Professor Rajib Humayun was the other discussant at the event presided over by Professor Mustafa Nurul Islam. “Remembering Nazrul shouldn’t just be a formality, it’s required to identify him as ‘our own’ poet, to conform to our cultural identity,” said Professor Islam in his speech.
Following the discussion, eminent cultural personality Syed Hasan Imam recited from the poem “Sharbohara.”
The musical programme started with a famous ghazal of Nazrul, “Bhuli kemoney,” presented by noted artiste Sadya Afreen Mallick. Yakub Ali Khan’s rendition of the song “Ajo madhuro ba(n)shari bajey” followed. Lina Taposhi Khan performed “Bajey manjulo manjuri.” Khairul Anam Shakil and Shaheen Samad were the other performers at the event. Mohammad Maniruzzaman on flute, Iftekher Hossain on keyboard, Gautam Sarker on tabla, Mohammad Nuruzzaman on violin and Feroz Khan on sitar accompanied the singers.
Source: The Daily Star
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