Eternity collapses at the wheel of change. / Past is lost
If such writers lived in, and contributed to the literary legacy of, other countries, I will offer a compromise and propose a hyphenated identity.
A film about the national poet of Bangladesh is currently being produced in West Bengal. Tollywood producer Abdul Alim is behind the project, which is titled “Kazi Nazrul Islam”.
Translated by Mohammad Shafiqul Islam
Today, August 27, marks the 48th death anniversary of Kazi Nazrul Islam, a day of reflection and tribute across the nation. Among the many commemorations, Desh Natok, a prominent theatre group, will stage two plays at the Bangladesh Mahila Samiti to honour the legendary poet.
Recently, the Chandler Community Centre in Melbourne came alive with the programme titled "Shompurno Nazrul" — a solo musical event presented by the musical organisation Surlok.
What can songs do? A lot, actually! They can win hearts and also aid in unsettling an entire system and dethroning the powerful. We have been reminded of the latter during the recent student protests and a powerful reminder it was as the Gen Z of Bangladesh took old, patriotic songs and used them in a modern context.
Review of ‘Bidrohi Puran’ (Pendulum Books, 2024) by Arif Rahman
Highlighting the universal appeal of Nazrul's poetry, Dr Kamal, who is also a poet, stressed the need to expand translation efforts to present the rich literary heritage of Bengal on the global stage. He urged bringing masterpieces of Bangla literature, including Nazrul's transcendent works, to readers across the world through high-quality translations. This would not only honour the genius of pioneers like the Rebel Poet but also facilitate a wider appreciation and understanding of the region's literary and cultural legacy among international audiences.
Eternity collapses at the wheel of change. / Past is lost
If such writers lived in, and contributed to the literary legacy of, other countries, I will offer a compromise and propose a hyphenated identity.
A film about the national poet of Bangladesh is currently being produced in West Bengal. Tollywood producer Abdul Alim is behind the project, which is titled “Kazi Nazrul Islam”.
Translated by Mohammad Shafiqul Islam
Today, August 27, marks the 48th death anniversary of Kazi Nazrul Islam, a day of reflection and tribute across the nation. Among the many commemorations, Desh Natok, a prominent theatre group, will stage two plays at the Bangladesh Mahila Samiti to honour the legendary poet.
Recently, the Chandler Community Centre in Melbourne came alive with the programme titled "Shompurno Nazrul" — a solo musical event presented by the musical organisation Surlok.
What can songs do? A lot, actually! They can win hearts and also aid in unsettling an entire system and dethroning the powerful. We have been reminded of the latter during the recent student protests and a powerful reminder it was as the Gen Z of Bangladesh took old, patriotic songs and used them in a modern context.
Review of ‘Bidrohi Puran’ (Pendulum Books, 2024) by Arif Rahman
Highlighting the universal appeal of Nazrul's poetry, Dr Kamal, who is also a poet, stressed the need to expand translation efforts to present the rich literary heritage of Bengal on the global stage. He urged bringing masterpieces of Bangla literature, including Nazrul's transcendent works, to readers across the world through high-quality translations. This would not only honour the genius of pioneers like the Rebel Poet but also facilitate a wider appreciation and understanding of the region's literary and cultural legacy among international audiences.
Kazi Nazrul Islam, according to Kazi Abdul Wadud (1895-1970), perhaps the first formidable critic who took him seriously, “was the first writer among Bengali Muslims of the modern era who was able to conquer the hearts of Hindus and Muslims alike of Bengal.”