Who Was Kazi Nazrul Islam And Why He Is Revered As A Revolutionary Poet?

People in Bangladesh have been targeting legendary Indian music director A R Rahman?for his rendition of a popular Bengali song in a recently released Hindi film, Pippa. It is being alleged that Rahman distorted the essence of the revolutionary poem "Karar Oi Louho Kopat" (which translates to the iron bars of prison).

It was written by the national poet of Bangladesh, Kazi Nazrul Islam, in 1922. It is said that Islam wrote this song protesting the arrest of freedom fighter Chittaranjan Das by the British.?

Poet Hunter

The poem urges people to break down the iron gates of prison. This led to Islam's arrest by British for sedition in 1923.?In 1949, the poem was turned into a song with an iconic tune recorded for the first time by singer Girin Chakraborty.

This was one of the many poems written by Islam, who is remembered as a revolutionary poet.

Who was Kazi Nazrul Islam?

Born in undivided Bengal in 1899, Kazi Nazrul Islam was fondly called the 'rebel poet' during India's freedom struggle. All his life, Islam was engaged in literary contributions on the themes of freedom, humanism, and social justice. His poetry focussed on the spirit of the Indian independence movement and the struggles of the common people. He composed many notable patriotic songs that inspired and mobilised people during the fight for independence.

Besides his literary achievements, Islam was also a musician and composer. He wrote numerous songs, known as "Nazrul Sangeet," which blend classical and folk music with his poetic lyrics.?

In the later years of his life, he faced health issues, including a prolonged period of mental illness. Despite these challenges, his impact on Bengali literature, music, and culture remains significant, and he is remembered as a cultural icon and a symbol of resistance.

What kind of poetry did Kazi Nazrul Islam write??

Islam's poetry carried a diversity of thoughts.?His poems are primarily marked by a spirit of defiance and a call to resist tyranny.?Many of his poems are infused with a sense of nationalism and patriotism. He actively contributed to the anti-colonial movement in India through his poetry. His writing?championed the cause of humanism and equality. He spoke out against discrimination based on caste, creed, and gender, advocating for a more just and inclusive society.

His romantic and spiritual poems explored love, mysticism, and the divine. Sufi mysticism profoundly influenced him, and elements of Sufi philosophy are evident in some of his poetry. His?poetry often served as a powerful tool for social commentary. He addressed issues such as poverty, oppression, and the struggles of the common people, giving voice to the marginalised and downtrodden.

National and International recognition of Kazi Nazrul Islam?

Kazi Nazrul Islam received both national and international recognition for his contributions to literature music, and his involvement in social and political movements. Besides being the national poet of Bangladesh,?Pakistan conferred upon him the title of "Bulbul-e-Bangla" (The Nightingale of Bengal) in 1960.?His poems and songs are an integral part of the cultural heritage of the Bengali-speaking people, even in West Bengal.

His?works gained recognition in the Soviet Union, where his poems were translated into Russian. He was awarded the "Gold Medal" by the Soviet Land Nehru Award in 1959 for his outstanding contribution to world literature.?In 1972, posthumously, he was awarded honorary citizenship by the Turkish government for his support of the Turkish War of Independence through his writings.

His work has been translated into various languages, allowing his message of freedom, equality, and humanism to reach a wider global audience. Scholars and readers around the world appreciate his unique blend of lyricism and social consciousness.

Kazi Nazrul Islam in popular culture

There have been several films and television productions that depict the life of Kazi Nazrul Islam.?Many contemporary writers and poets reference Kazi Nazrul Islam in their works.?Visual artists pay tribute to Nazrul through paintings, sculptures, and other forms of visual art.?Musicians in Bangladesh and internationally pay tribute to Islam through cover versions of his songs or by incorporating elements of his music into their compositions.

With the advent of digital media, Nazrul's works are widely accessible online. His poems and songs are shared on social media platforms, reaching a global audience and ensuring that his message continues to resonate in the digital age.

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