IGCC celebrates Nazrul’s legacy as India-Bangladesh cultural bridge

The Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre (IGCC), High Commission of India, Dhaka, organised a special cultural evening, ‘Nazrul Sandhya’, at the Chhayanaut Auditorium in Dhaka on Thursday to commemorate the 50th death anniversary of National Poet of Bangladesh Kazi Nazrul Islam.

The evening brought together music, poetry and dance to celebrate Nazrul’s enduring literary and artistic legacy and his profound contribution to the shared cultural heritage of India and Bangladesh.

Cultural Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury attended the programme as the Guest of Honour. Minister of State for Cultural Affairs Ali Newaz Mahmood Khyom was also present. The gathering included prominent Nazrul artists, cultural personalities, government dignitaries and representatives of various cultural organisations.

Speaking at the event, High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi said: “Kazi Nazrul Islam fought against all odds to revolutionize our collective consciousness.”

Highlighting Nazrul’s resilience and creative genius, Trivedi described the poet as the ultimate “setu” — a powerful bridge of shared heritage connecting India and Bangladesh.

“As we honor him tonight, let us strengthen this bridge, ensuring our bilateral bond remains as unbreakable as the verses of the Rebel Poet himself,” the High Commissioner said.

Cultural Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury highlighted the universal message of Nazrul’s works, describing him as a poet of humanism who transcended divisions of religion and caste.

He noted that the Government of Bangladesh has declared 2026 as ‘Nazrul Borsho’, underscoring the significance attached to commemorating the life, works and legacy of the National Poet.

The cultural evening featured performances by celebrated Nazrul Sangeet exponent Fatema Tuz Zohra, distinguished actor and recitation artist Jayanto Chattopadhyay, and renowned Manipuri dancer and choreographer Samina Husain Prema, Director of Bhabna Dance School.

Through evocative renditions of Nazrul Sangeet, powerful recitations of his poetry and graceful Manipuri dance presentations, the artists brought alive the diverse dimensions of Nazrul’s creative universe.

The programme reflected the poet’s enduring celebration of humanism, equality, harmony, love and freedom—values that continue to resonate across generations.

One of Bangladesh’s foremost exponents of Nazrul Geeti, Fatema Tuz Zohra presented a selection of Nazrul’s timeless compositions.

Through her melodious and expressive renditions, she has made a significant contribution to preserving and popularising Nazrul Sangeet and transmitting the rich musical heritage to successive generations. Her contribution has been recognised with prestigious honours, including the Ekushey Padak in 2006 and the Bangla Academy Nazrul Award in 2026.

Prominent Bangladeshi actor, recitation artist and cultural personality Jayanto Chattopadhyay, whose career spans more than five decades, presented Nazrul’s poetry through his acclaimed recitation.

A graduate in English Literature from the University of Calcutta, Chattopadhyay is widely celebrated for his contributions to Bangladeshi cinema, theatre and recitation.

Renowned Bangladeshi classical Manipuri dancer, choreographer and cultural practitioner Samina Husain Prema presented dance interpretations inspired by Nazrul’s creative world.

Trained at Chhayanaut and under Guru Kalavati Devi, Prema holds degrees from the University of Dhaka and Rabindra Bharati University. She founded Bhabna in 2007.

She has represented Bangladesh at major cultural festivals in India and several other countries and has made significant contributions to the promotion of Manipuri dance and Bangladesh’s cultural heritage.

The performances drew an enthusiastic response from the audience, underscoring the continuing appeal of Nazrul’s poetry, music and artistic vision.

Born in Churulia in present-day West Bengal, India, Kazi Nazrul Islam remains one of the towering figures of Bengali literature and music. His vast body of poetry, songs and writings transcends geographical boundaries and continues to be celebrated in both India and Bangladesh.

Rooted in themes of humanity, equality, love, harmony and freedom, Nazrul’s works have acquired an enduring universal resonance.

‘Nazrul Sandhya’ reaffirmed the special place of Kazi Nazrul Islam in the shared cultural consciousness of India and Bangladesh, while highlighting the power of culture to deepen friendship and strengthen people-to-people ties between the two countries.