117th birth anniversary of Kazi Nazrul Islam observed in Kolkata

The 117th birth anniversary of Kazi Nazrul Islam was observed with enthusiasm. His portrait was garlanded at Nabanna on Wednesday morning. A function was also held at Nazrul Tirtha in New Town. Mamata Banerjee had mooted the idea of setting up Nazrul Tirtha which has come up as a major cultural centre in the area. 

A three-day cultural programme will start at Rabindrasadan, Rabindrasadan Muktamancha and Sisir Mancha where noted Nazrul Geeti exponents will take part. A programme was also held at Kazi Nazrul University in Asansol.  Mamata Banerjee had laid the foundation stone in 2013. 

It has come up on 13 acres of land. The students paid  tribute to the poet and composer. Narul Jayanti was observed in Bangladesh. The poet went to Bangladesh in 1972 and breathed his last 29 August, 1976.  He was declared as the national poet of Bangladesh. Cultural programmes were held throughout the country where artists from West Bengal also took part.

Nazrul was born in a poor family in Churulia in Burdwan on May 25, 1899.  He did not receive formal education. He joined the British Army and travelled in Mesopotamia and other countries. 

He was a natural singer and composer. He had close association with All India Radio and many songs sung by him were aired.  Many great vocalists of those days like Dhiren Das, Gyannendra Prasad Goswami, Angurbala and Indubala had sung many songs composed by Nazrul. 

The rebel poet was imprisoned for criticising the British government. Nazrul had pleasant relationship with Tagore.