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In Memory of Two Poets: Rabindra-Nazrul

A huge part of Bangladesh’s culture and life is bonded by the words of Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore and “Bidrohi Kobi” (translated: the Rebel Poet) Kazi Nazrul Islam. Their existence is one that is eternal in the minds of the Bangladeshi people and many others who have experienced their works. The works of these ingenious poets have the magic of stirring emotions of love, sorrow, happiness, anger amongst others.

Such an array of emotions was displayed on May 31st, 2009 as the Bangladeshi community in Beijing celebrated a day of Rabindra-Nazrul Jayanti. The celebration commenced with a few words of wisdom on The Poets by two Chinese nationals, who have studied the works of Rabindra-Nazrul. The celebration continued on with a cultural program with participants from the Bangladeshi community in Beijing along with Chinese musicians from China Central Conservatory of Music and China Radio International personnel who are strongly influenced by the Bengali culture and language. The performances ranged from songs to poetry and also musical pieces.

One of the most heart warming performances of the day was made by little Tahsin, a 5 year old Bangladeshi girl, who recited the famous and popular poem “Kathbirali Kathbirali” (translated: Squirrel, squirrel). The poem was written by Kazi Nazrul Islam and is about a little girl in conversation with a squirrel.

Another very interesting performance was showcased by four Chinese ladies working at the China Radio International, as they sung one of Rabindranath’s very popular songs “Boro Asha Kore Eshechi Go Kache Deke Lou”(translated: I have come to you with great hope, accept me). Despite the fact that Bengali is not their mother language the ladies did a wonderful job of singing in tune with the music and pronounced the words with great care and diligence.

The celebration was a wonderful attempt of bringing together a group of people who love and appreciate the works of Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam. A special thanks is in order to all the ladies (some with children) in the chorus group, the artist who helped with the wonderful banner for the celebration, and all those hidden talents who decided to step up and participate and finally the organizers. They spent a good four weeks in preparation of the event and all their hard work paid off as a large number of the community turned up to appreciate and remember Rabindra-Nazrul.

Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore and Bidrohi Kobi Kazi Nazrul Islam will always be remembered. This tribute to The Poets is hopefully just one of many more to come. Till then let us enjoy the songs, poems and stories of our favorite artists and embrace them in our daily lives.