The 35th anniversary of the death of national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam will be observed today in accordance with the Bangla calendar.
The revolutionary poet and renowned Bengali lyricist died at the age of 77 on Bhadra 12, 1383, which correspond to August 27, 1976.
Nazrul, born on May 25, 1899 at Churulia in Bardwan of West Bengal, was invited to the post-partition Bangladesh as the national poet. His work, which also includes about 3,000 songs, transcends sectarian boundaries.
He is often referred to as the rebel poet because of his most famous poem Bidrohi or The Rebel, and his strong sympathy and support for revolutionary activities leading to India's independence from the British rule. His songs and poems were frequently used during the independence war of Bangladesh as well.
Nazrul was also writer, musician, journalist and philosopher. He was sent to jail for his literary works against the then British rule. He suffered from dementia and aphasia since 1942 till his death.
In recognition of his contribution to the Bangla literature and culture, Dhaka University awarded the poet the honorary Doctor of Literature at a special convocation in 1974. In January 1976, the Bangladesh government granted him citizenship of Bangladesh and awarded him Ekushey Padak.
Several government and non-government organisations and Nazrul enthusiasts will mark the occasion with cultural programmes across the country.
Cultural organisations, educational institutions and others will pay tribute to the poet by placing flowers at this grave by the Dhaka University mosque in the morning.
The Nazrul Institute will arrange a discussion programme at its office at 11:00am, which will be followed by a cultural programme, Rafiqul Islam, chairman of the institute trust, will preside over the programme.
Ruling Awami League leaders will place wreaths at the poet's grave beside the Dhaka University mosque.
The Bangla Academy held a discussion in its seminar room on August 25.
Source : New Age
