IGCC celebrates ‘Nazrul Sandhya’

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

The programme brought together music, poetry and dance to celebrate the enduring legacy of Kazi Nazrul Islam and his profound contribution to the shared cultural heritage of India and Bangladesh, according to a press release. 

Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury attended the event as the guest of honour. State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali Newaz Mahmood Khyom was also present. 

The gathering included prominent Nazrul artists, cultural personalities, dignitaries from the Government of Bangladesh and representatives of various cultural organisations.

Speaking on the occasion, High Commissioner of India Dinesh Trivedi said that Kazi Nazrul Islam “fought against all odds to revolutionise our collective consciousness.” 

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

The high commissioner further said, “As we honour him tonight, let us strengthen this bridge, ensuring our bilateral bond remains as unbreakable as the verses of the rebel poet himself.”

Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy highlighted the universal message of Kazi Nazrul Islam and described him as a poet of humanism, transcending divisions of religion or caste. 

He noted that 2026 has been declared by the Government of Bangladesh as “Nazrul Borsho”, underscoring the importance attached to commemorating the life and legacy of the national poet.

The evening featured captivating 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 many 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.