The second edition of Nazrul Utsav kicked-off at the capital's Gulshan Society Lake Park, today.

The two-day-long event has been organised by Bangladesh Nazrul Sangeet Sangstha (BNSS), High Commission of India in Dhaka and Gulshan Society. HSBC Bank Bangladesh is the title sponsor of the festival.

Commemorating the works of the National poet, Kazi Nazrul Islam, the festival aims to celebrate the life of the poet by collaborating with artistes from both sides of the border. This year, over 50 renowned senior and promising artistes have joined the festival.

Ekushey Padak-winning Nazrul Sangeet exponent Khairul Anam Shakil, also General Secretary of Bangladesh Nazrul Sangeet Sangstha, is the festival's convener.

Chief Executive Officer of HSBC, Md Mahbub ur Rahman; Mrinmoy Chakraborty Director, Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre, Indian High Commission, and Khilkhil Kazi, granddaughter of Kazi Nazrul Islam and Vice President, BNSS also spoke at the inaugural ceremony.

State Minister of Cultural Affairs, KM Khalid, MP, inaugurated the festival as the Chief Guest.

He spoke about the struggles Kazi Nazrul Islam had to undergo and had he shared the same background as Rabindranath Tagore, then maybe Bengal would have had another noble laureate.

ATM Shamsul Huda, President, Gulshan Society and Mohammad Nurul Huda, General Director, Bangla Academy also graced the evening with their presence and valuable speeches.

The first day programme was divided into several sections including—songs of Nazrul, dance performances, and recitations. The dance performance was organised by the team of eminent dancer, Sharmila Banerjee.The event was hosted by renowned director, Kaushik Sankar Das.

Speaking at the event, Mrinmoy Chakraborty said, "This festival brings together exponents of West Bengal and Bangladesh. India is also proud to have Nazrul as one of the quintessential parts of Bengali cultural identity. So, India and Bangladesh share these cultural values deeply."

The poet's granddaughter, Khilkhil Kazi shared, "Our greatest achievement is the fact that Nazrul's music is being preserved properly. If we could translate his songs into different languages, then there is an opportunity to showcase his talent internationally."

Adding to this, Mahbub ur Rahman opined, "The fact that BNSS is working to preserve the works of Nazrul, is really commendable. This festival brings senior artistes and upcoming artistes under one platform. So, this is a great opportunity for newcomers to learn."

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‘Nazrul Utsav’ kicks off

Eminent cultural personality and member of parliament, Asaduzzaman Noor, along with Krishti Hefaz performed solo recitations. While renowned artistes including the likes of Supriya Das, Mohit Khan, Paromita Mumu, Priyanka Gope, Sharmin Shathi Moyna, Pujan Das, Kaniz Husna Ahammadi Sympi, Pandit Tushar Dutta, Salauddin Ahmed, Khilkhil Kazi, Yasmin Mushtari, Ishita Barua, Irshad Ahmed Shaheen, Ferdaus Ara, Sreeradha Banerjee, and Sudeshna Shoyomprova Tathoi, among others mesmerised audiences with performances in their respective fields. All performances were a tribute to Kazi Nazrul Islam, to highlight his creations in various mediums of art.

The two-day long festival, which features performances of Nazrul Sangeet by noted artistes from Bangladesh and West Bengal, will conclude today.

The second and final day of the festival will be inaugurated by the Minister of Education, Dr Dipu Moni, MP. Festival-goers will get to enjoy Nazrul Sangeet recordings collected from 125 artistes, which will be released on YouTube on the occasion of the festival.