**Kazi Nazrul Islam**

**Kazi Nazrul Islam** (1899-1976) was one of the most influential poets, writers, musicians, and revolutionaries of the Indian subcontinent. Honored as the **National Poet of Bangladesh**, he is known as the *“Rebel Poet”* for his fearless voice against oppression, colonialism, religious fanaticism, and social injustice. Through his poems, songs, essays, and speeches, Nazrul championed human freedom, equality, and spiritual harmony, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire generations.Kazi Nazrul Islam was born on **May 25, 1899**, in the village of **Churulia** in the Burdwan district of Bengal (now in West Bengal, India). He was born into a poor Muslim family. His father, Kazi Fakir Ahmed, was the imam and caretaker of a local mosque, while his mother was Zahida Khatun. Nazrul lost his father at a very young age, which exposed him to hardship early in life. As a child, he worked as a **muazzin** (one who calls to prayer) and later joined a local folk theatre group, where he developed a deep interest in literature, drama, and music.

Due to financial difficulties, Nazrul's formal education was irregular. Nevertheless, his natural talent and thirst for knowledge led him to independently study Persian, Arabic, Bengali literature, and classical music. In 1917, he joined the **British Indian Army** and served in Karachi during World War I. Although he did not participate in active combat, his time in the army exposed him to the realities of global politics, inequality, and imperial power. During this period, he began writing poetry and prose more seriously.After leaving the army in 1920, Nazrul settled in Calcutta (Kolkata), which was then the center of literary and political activity in Bengal. His literary breakthrough came in 1922 with the publication of the poem **"Bidrohi" (The Rebel)**. This poem, with its fiery language and powerful imagery, revolutionized Bengali literature and established the poet as a symbol of rebellion against oppression. "Bidrohi" solidified Nazrul's reputation as a revolutionary voice and earned him the title of *Rebel Poet*. His writings openly challenged British colonial rule and inspired the independence movement. Nazrul's political activism often brought him into conflict with the colonial authorities. Many of his works were banned, and he was imprisoned several times. While in prison, he wrote the famous poem **"Rajbandir Jabanbandi" (A Political Prisoner's Statement)**, in which he denounced injustice and asserted moral courage. Even imprisonment could not silence his voice; rather, it strengthened his resolve.

Beyond political rebellion, Nazrul was a staunch advocate of **social equality and religious harmony**. He strongly opposed communalism and promoted unity between Hindus and Muslims. His poetry often blended Islamic and Hindu imagery, celebrating universal human values. Works like *“Kandari Hushiar”* and *“Manush”* emphasize humanity above religious or social divisions. Nazrul was also a vocal supporter of women's liberation, writing openly about gender equality at a time when such ideas were considered revolutionary.Nazrul made an extraordinary contribution to Bengali music. He composed and wrote over **4,000 songs**, now known as **Nazrul Geeti**, blending classical ragas with folk, Islamic devotional, and patriotic themes. He enriched Bengali music with ghazals and introduced new musical forms that remain popular today. His songs express devotion, love, revolution, and spiritual yearning with equal intensity. Sadly, in 1942, Nazrul began to suffer from a mysterious neurological illness (later believed to be Pick's disease), which gradually robbed him of his ability to speak and compose. For the remaining decades of his life, he lived in virtual silence. After Bangladesh gained independence in 1971, the new nation recognized his immense cultural significance. In 1972, Nazrul was brought to Dhaka and honored as the national poet of Bangladesh. He was granted citizenship and state recognition.Kazi Nazrul Islam passed away on August 29, 1976, in Dhaka. According to his wishes, he was buried near the Dhaka University Mosque.Nazrul's legacy is immense. He stands as a symbol of resistance, compassion, and artistic freedom. His works continue to inspire movements for justice, secularism, and human dignity across South Asia. Kazi Nazrul Islam was not only a poet of rebellion but also a poet of love, unity, and hope—an enduring voice for the oppressed and the fearless conscience of Bengal. If you'd like, I can also: