 Nazrul was a poet, a lyrical composer, a musician of genius and much, much more...
He first appeared on the Bengali literary scene in the 1920's, when the Nobel Laureate Rabindra Nath Tagore was the universally acknowledged master of Bengali poetry. Tagore gave his belssing to Nazrul who in turn had a deep reverence for the master.
Many poets imitated Tagore, but with Nazrul came a new radical force, very different, expressing dangerous notions of love and rebellion; equality and independence. He used his pen to wage war against social injustices and created some of the most beautiful poems in Bengali literature, shaking the regime of oppression, tyranny and exploitation that engulfed his people and country under British colonial rule.
For two decades Nazrul almost equalled Tagore as a literary power, although he retained a deep reverence for the Master, who in turn showed his affection for the young genius, blessing his virile attacks on the drowsiness of his people.
His fiery words and rhythms stirred a generation of people to fight for their rights. Nazrul spoke up for the common man. Supported by his verse, modern Bangladesh took shape.
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"I am weary of strife,
but I would have no rest
until the sky have ceased to ring
with the groans of the tyrant’s victims
and tyranny itself lies dead, vanquished...
.... I, the eternal rebel who never submits.” |
