Sadya Afreen Mallick - A lifetime with poet Kazi Nazrul Islam

Soon the songs turned into rich rendition and her voice could be heard in Chhayanaut "Bishwa Dulali Nobi Nondini" where she competed every year with a first class first and won the gold medal on completion of her training from great maestros Sheikh Lutfur Rahman, Sudhin Das, Sohrab Hossain and Ustad Phuul Mohammad, to name a few.

During the first ever National Nazrul Conference on BTV after independence, Sadya was the youngest participant, she sang "Priyo Emono Raat Jeno Jay Na Brithai" and her physical beauty exuded with those of the song, where she expressed her longing for the lover in poet Kazi Nazrul Islam's words. This pursuit continued, until Sadya became the prima donna of Nazrul Sangeet, a new ambassador of the post-liberation generation, full of both love and expertise. She won many awards and recognition for the same.

Along with legendary artiste Feroza Begum, Sadya gave leadership to an organization of Nazrul Sangeet artistes.

Sadya joined the popular English daily The Daily Star as editor of Arts & Entertainment page and in these long years of service brought out the best of Bangladeshi culture in her page, making a special emphasis on Nazrul Islam, every time it was possible. She has highlighted all the artistes who are Nazrul exponents and given them a status as contributors and soldiers. Sadya's contribution to bringing all artistes together continues as she is preparing to release videos of songs sung by young and veteran Nazrul Sangeet singers. One such song, "Dao Shourjo Dao Dhorjo" was released simultaneously on all channels on 27th August 2016. This and her future efforts are being lauded through this article.

In August 2016, Sadya won the Nazrul Institute Award (from the Cultural Ministry) for her contribution to Kazi Nazrul Islam and his works. On 8th October was the nineteenth birthday celebration of Sadya Afreen Mallick (which makes me 18, as I am one year junior to her), held at the Daily Star premises. Once again, Sadya's personal leadership and friendly quality brought all artistes together. Nazrul, Tagore, modern song, ghazal exponent, recitation experts all gathered under the same banner and presented their songs. It was an evening of celebration, success, dedication and camaraderie among friends with the same purpose. I was reminded of her mother Dr Noorunnahar Fyzennessa, who had a similar persona, bringing all like-minded people together. Also remembered was her father Professor Syed Moqsud Ali, whose great scholarship can only be spotted through his progeny. All their four children have carried the banner entrusted upon them. Congratulations Sadya!