Poetry and music by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore and Bangladeshi national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam resonated with the Indian embassy here as fans and followers of the famous poets celebrated their works. their products at a joint meeting organized by the missions of both countries.
A large number of people attended the “Rabindra-Nazrul Jayanti” event held on Saturday to celebrate the 161th birthday of Tagore and the 123rd birthday of Nazrul, the two greatest and most versatile Bengali poets who have left made their mark on the national and international scene with their poetry and music.
Diplomats, community members from both countries as well as Tagore fans of China recited the inspirational poem by Tagore and Nazrul, while dancers Kathak and Bharatanatyam completed the songs. specially choreographed presentations.
“The relationship between India and Bangladesh is rich and deeply rooted in history. There are few things that divide us. There are many things that unite us,” India’s Ambassador to China, Pradeep Kumar Rawat, said before the meeting.
The link between the two countries extends to every aspect of human life, be it social, economic, cultural, intellectual, political and spiritual. The excellent bilateral relationship reflects a comprehensive partnership based on equality, trust and understanding that goes beyond a strategic partnership, he said.
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Rawat said, India and Bangladesh share a common cultural heritage based on common features of civilization and history.
“The cultural history of Bengal represents the synthesis of several ways of life. This intellectual and culturally rich region has produced great men of writing and achievement,” he said.
“Today, I pay humble tribute to Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore and Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, who are shining examples of the rich shared heritage of India and Bangladesh,” he said.
“Gurudev Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam are among the ‘Panchokobi’, the five greats of Bengali literature, who have played a very influential role not only in shaping Bangla literature and culture, but also identity. our nation. This is best demonstrated by the simplest fact that Gurudev Tagore wrote the national anthems (Jana Gana Mana and Amar Shonar Bangla) for our two nations,” he said.
Rawat said: “Tagore’s life and teachings speak to his aspiration for innovation, perseverance and effort. He broke the barriers of time and region, demonstrating intelligence and pragmatism.
“He taught us to be proud of our country, culture and ethos and enlightened the world with his immortal speeches and poems. He emphasizes education, learning and social empowerment. His vision inspires both our nation and many countries around the globe to achieve these goals, he said.
“On the other hand, ‘BidrohiKobi’ Kazi Nazrul Islam was a remarkable literary genius and a true rebel (Bidrohi) who, on his quest for self-expression and freedom of thought, preached the unforgettable lesson on pluralism, secularism and the importance of a balanced society,” he said.
He said: “The works of Nazrul are a perfect amalgamation of different traditions. He is said to have brought the concept of ghazals into the modern Bengali imagination – setting a clear example of artistry. border crossing technique”.
In his speech, Bangladesh Ambassador to China, Mahbub Uz Zaman said that the joint event of the embassies highlights the friendship and close relations between the two neighboring countries.
“We were bound together by the glorious war of independence in Bangladesh in 1971,” he said.
He said: “Despite the 38-year age gap between Tagore and Nazrul, they still have a close relationship, blended with respect and love. Their literary works depict a common bond as work. social, non-communal and humanistic”.
Tagore, who wrote the national anthems of India and Bangladesh, was also the inspiration behind the national anthem of Sri Lanka as well as Ananda Smarakoon, who wrote the song while studying at India’s Viswabharati University in Santiniketan, he said. .
Tagore and Nazrul have mutual respect, admiration, and affection. Nazrul, who had been deeply inspired by Tagore’s works from an early age, also wrote several poems about Tagore, he said.
In 1913, when Tagore won the Nobel Prize, Nazrul was only 14 years old. He was influenced by Tagore like other young people of his generation. Tagore’s influence on Nazrul was limitless, Zaman said.
Nazrul, whose productive life was only 11 years due to ill health, has emerged as a poet, journalist, politician and novelist, displaying unparalleled versatility and fighting for independence. establishment of India and exercise the rights of marginalized communities, he said.
“During this short career, Nazrul has created songs with depth and scale. He’s a real genius,” Zaman said.
