Dhaka: Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury today called upon the younger generation to be enlightened by the ideals of Kazi Nazrul Islam, particularly his humanism, secularism, equality, and patriotism. He made the call while addressing a day-long cultural program at Viqarunnisa Noon School and College, organized as part of the Nazrul Year celebrations.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister emphasized that the practice and study of Nazrul's works would inspire creativity, human values, and patriotism among young people. He noted that developing a healthy cultural environment is a key foundation for building an enlightened society.
Nitai Roy Chowdhury highlighted that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman had revitalized the practice of Nazrul's works nationwide by declaring Nazrul Year during the inauguration of a three-day program in Trishal, marking the 127th birth anniversary of the National Poet. An initiative has been taken to organize cultural competitions simultaneously at educational institutions across the country as part of the Nazrul Year celebrations.
The cultural minister paid tribute to Viqarunnisa Noon, founder of the historic Viqarunnisa Noon School and College, and acknowledged the important role such institutions play in producing talented and culturally minded generations who can contribute to nation-building.
He also emphasized Nazrul's unique example of religious harmony through his compositions of Islamic songs and Shyama Sangeets and noted how the poet enriched the Bengali language with his creative use of Arabic, Persian, Urdu, and various foreign words in his writings.
Nitai Roy Chowdhury mentioned that the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and the Nazrul Institute were established through the visionary initiative of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman. These institutions play an important role in preserving and promoting the country's national culture.
Reciting lines from Nazrul's poem "Bidrohi," and several lines from "Gahi Samyer Gaan" (Song of Equality), the minister highlighted the poet's secular ideals and portrayed Nazrul as a poet who embodied the dual spirit of love and rebellion.