Eight day long Nazrul Shammelon (convention) 2010 in progress

Marking the 111th birth anniversary of our National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, Nazrul Academy is holding an eight daylong ‘Nazrul Shammelon (convention) 2010′ at the Music and Dance Centre of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA). The convention opened on May 18.

Music connoisseur, poet, columnist and former secretary Mohammad Asafuddoulah inaugurated the convention as the chief guest. The event was divided into two segments — discussion and a cultural programme.

Poet, essayist and Nazrul researcher Abdul Mannan Syed presided over the discussion. Mintu Rahman, general secretary of Nazrul Academy; noted singer Khalid Hossain, Principal of the academy; Nazrul’s granddaughter Khilkhil Kazi and Asafuddoulah spoke on the occasion.

Reciter Nasim Ahmed read out an essay, titled “Nazrul Sangeet: Ek Bishmoykor Diganto,” written by Harun-ur-Rashid Badol.

“Nazrul is the only musician who, after Amir Khosru, enriched Indian classical music with 20 new raaga. “Mayur Shinghashon,” “Arun Ranjani,” “Bishnu Bhairav,” “Rudra Bhairav,” “Jogini” and “Devjani” are some of the raaga created by Nazrul. All genres — ghazal, Shyama Sangeet, Islamic, kirtan, folk, ballad and patriotic — are evident in Nazrul’s collection of over 4000 songs,” according to the essay.

Nazrul Academy honoured the chief guest Asafuddoulah with a crest and bouquet. Two Nazrul Sangeet — “Nayan Bhora Jol” and “Mor Priya Hobey Esho Rani” — recorded by Asafuddoulah were played in the background.

In his moving speech, Asafuddoulah said, “The honour goes to our National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. I don’t deserve it. Nazrul is our Byron, Omar Khayyam, Keats and Mirza Ghalib. Enduring unending poverty, he created verses that made flowers blossom in the reader’s mind. Are we generous enough to pay fitting homage to him?”

Later, a cultural programme was held. The anchor duo, Nasim Ahmed and Shaila Ahmed, recited “Amar Koifiyat” and “Nari” respectively at the event.

Artistes of Nazrul Academy presented two group renditions –“Dao Shourjo Dao Dhoirjo” and “O Rey Othrey Chashi Jagatbashi.” Khalid Hossain, Tanzina Rahim Swarolipi, Bizon Chandra Mistry performed “Ke Bideshi Bon Udashi,” “Shondhya Godhuli Logoney,” “Amarey Debona Bhulitey,” respectively on the occasion.

Other solo performances were by Yaqub Ali Khan, Ferdous Ara, Moidul Islam and Arpita Chakraborti.

Sunil on keyboard, Sultan and Rabidas on tabla, AK Azad Prodhan on mondira and Gazi Abdul Hakim on banshi instrumentally assisted the singers.

The eight daylong programme will continue at BSA till May 20, while other programmes will be held at Nazrul Academy (on May 21, 22 and 25) and at the main auditorium of National Museum (on May 23 and 24).