Kazi Nazrul Islam (24 May 1899 – 29 August 1976) was a Bangladeshi poet, writer, musician, and revolutionary. He is the national poet of Bangladesh. Popularly known as Nazrul, he produced a large body of poetry and music with themes that included religious devotion and spiritual rebellion against fascism and oppression.Nazrul's activism for political and social justice earned him the title of the "Rebel Poet". His compositions form the avant-garde genre of Nazrul Sangeet (Music of Nazrul). In addition to being revered in Bangladesh, he is also commemorated and revered in India, especially in West Bengal and Tripura.
Major Works:
- His most notable works were his rebellious poems such as 'Bodhan', Shat-il-Arab', 'Kheya-parer Tarani' and 'Badal Prater Sharab' etc. which received critical appreciation from all over.
- In 1926, he wrote one of his most famous poems titled 'Daridro' ('Pain or Poverty') which received appreciation from the classes and the masses.
- In 1928, he became a lyricist, composer and music director for 'His Master's Voice Gramophone Company'. One of his biggest works in the industry was writing songs and directing music for a bioepic play named 'Siraj-ud-Daula'.
Awards & Achievements
- In 1945, he received the Jagattarini Gold Medal from the University of Calcutta for his work in Bengali Literature.
- In 1960, he was awarded the Padma Bhushan, one of the highest civilian honors of the Republic of India.
- He was conferred the title of 'national poet' and awarded the 'Ekushey Padak' by the Government of Bangladesh.
