Wikipedia:Today's featured article/June 14, 2007



Kazi Nazrul Islam was a Bengali poet, musician, revolutionary and philosopher who is best known for pioneering poetic works espousing intense spiritual rebellion against orthodoxy and oppression. Popularly known as the Bidrohi Kobi (Rebel Poet), Nazrul is officially recognised as the national poet of Bangladesh and commemorated in India. After a stint in the Indian Army, Nazrul established himself as a journalist in Kolkata (then Calcutta). He assailed the British Raj in India and preached revolution through his poetic works, such as "Bidrohi" ("The Rebel") and "Bhangar Gaan" ("The Song of Destruction"), as well as his publication "Dhumketu" ("The Comet"). His impassioned activism in the Indian independence movement often led to his imprisonment by British authorities. While in prison, Nazrul wrote the "Rajbandir Jabanbandi" ("Deposition of a Political Prisoner") and condemned Islamic fundamentalism and bigotry in society. Exploring the life and conditions of the downtrodden masses of India, Nazrul agitated fiercely for their emancipation. Nazrul's writings explore themes such as love, freedom, and revolution. Nazrul wrote and composed music for his nearly 3,000 songs which are collectively known as Nazrul Sangeet and widely popular today. (more...)

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