Announcement of Scholarships, Semester Courses and International Research at the ‘Nazrul Legacy’ event
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National poet Kazi Nazrul Islam is one of the strong foundations of the silent but strong flow of Bengali language and culture in the vast sky of the diaspora. His spirit of betrayal, love, equality and humanity is not only a literary legacy; It is a deep motivation for the self-identity, self-esteem and cultural existence of the diaspora Bengalis.
The California-based diaspora cultural organization ‘Taranga of California’ has been working with this spirit for a long time. The organization is working consistently with the aim of not only remembering Nazrul literature, but also establishing it in the international academic field.
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Recently, a special cultural event ‘Nazrul Legacy’ was held in Burbank, California. Organized by Tarang, the event was a profound tribute to Nazrul’s literature, music and philosophy.
Under the supervision of Tarang of California President Shipar Chowdhury and presented by Ambareen Rahman and Zaid Haque, child artist Shehzeen Rahman performed the national anthem ‘Amar Sonar Bangla’ on the flute at the beginning of the program. This created an emotional atmosphere in the entire auditorium.
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Children’s participation was one of the attractions throughout the event. They enliven the event through songs, poetry, dance and symposiums. Angela Ahsan presented at the Children’s Symposium. Manha Rayan, Mehvesh, Munisha and Abrar Mahadi participated.
Apart from this, music, poetry and dance performances were performed by Alvina Islam, Tani Islam, Anindita Saha, Mahi Islam, Anupam Saha, Suparna Saha and others. Nazrul-Researchers Gulshan Ara, Azfar and Kazi Belal were special guests on the occasion.
A number of important decisions were announced in the event to strengthen Nazrul practice abroad. Notable among these is the announcement of the launch of two scholarships under the ‘Kazi Nazrul Islam Endowment Fund’. The scholarship was introduced this year at California State University Northridge (CSUN).
On May 2, the Chairperson of the Middle Eastern Studies Department of the University, Khanom Sheikh, formally introduced the two scholarship recipients in a ceremony organized by Tarang. The organizers said, this is not only a financial support, but an effective initiative to connect the new generation growing up in the diaspora with Nazrul’s literature, philosophy and humanitarian spirit.
It was informed at the event that the possibility of starting a semester-based course on Kazi Nazrul Islam’s literature is being discussed at California State University Northridge. If implemented, this would be a major breakthrough for Bengali literature and Nazrul research in the realm of Western higher education.
Apart from this, a plan has been taken to increase academic cooperation with various higher education institutions in the United States to expand Nazrul practice.
In addition to cultural activities, a new initiative called ‘Hope and Smile Humanitarian Organization of Los Angeles’ was also announced to further organize humanitarian aid in the diaspora. Apart from this, the possibility of academic and research cooperation with Bangladesh National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam University (Trishal) also came up in the discussion.
Tarang of California president Shipar Chowdhury told Prothom Alo that their organization successfully completed the Kazi Nazrul Islam conference in 2002. After that, it was decided how to spread Nazrul’s literary works in the western world.
He said that when he discussed with the humanities department of California State University Northridge, he got a sincere response. An endowment fund was established with 1 thousand 700 dollars at the initial stage, which has now increased to 1 lakh 50 thousand dollars.
Every year, Nazrul-researchers from home and abroad participate in CSUN’s lectureship program. Students there gain insight into Nazrul’s vast repertoire and earn academic credit.
Rashid Haider, then director of Nazrul Institute, assistant director Riyazuddin Stalin, artists Ferdous Ara, Neela Taapsee, Khilkhil Kazi, journalist Shaikh Siraj etc. have come to the United States from Bangladesh to observe this program. Late Professor Rafikuzzaman also inspired this initiative with encouragement and advice.
Besides, Winston Langley, June McDaniel, Neela Bhattacharya, Gulshan Ara, Naseeruddin, Phyllis Harman, Mohammad Omar Farooq, Mohit Ul Alam and others have contributed to Nazrul’s research. Their research paper has been included in Nazrul Institute Journal (Volume 7).
Shipar Chowdhury said that their next big goal is to launch a full semester in the university with the complete literary works of Kazi Nazrul Islam from the 2027-28 session. Discussions are going on with the Department of Humanities in this regard. About $20,000 will be needed to run this semester each year. There is a plan to bear the cost with the help of the community as it will not be met by endowment fund income.
He also said that former ambassador Shamser Mobin Chowdhury had announced a donation of 50 thousand dollars to the endowment fund on behalf of the government. Former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia also agreed to it at that time. However, due to political changes, it was no longer implemented.
Mahbubul Haque, Malika Haque, Ahmed Bashir, Naureen Rahman, Mohammad Rice, Umme Rice, Tariq Chowdhury, Mamun Khan, Shilpi Islam, Papdi Sarkar and others also performed in the event. Philanthropists Syed Nasir Zebul, Munirul Islam, Abdul Munim, Badrul Alam Masud etc. gave full support in the organization.
Syed Nasir Zebul told Prothom Alo that children’s participation in this event is the biggest strength. Nazrul’s philosophy of betrayal, love and humanity will reach the world more widely in the future through their hands. ‘Nazrul Legacy’ is not just a cultural event, it is a reflection of a long-term movement to spread Bengali language, literature and the humanitarian spirit of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam in diaspora.
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