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Rabindra-Nazrul Jayanti, 2009 |
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Rabindra-Nazrul Jayanti, 2009 
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.
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