The man the world needs!

What is the real problem with the world? What is the problem with its people? Ever thought of this? Personally, I feel the answer is that we all are more into appearances and less into authenticity. It is now more important to look a certain way or give a certain impression than actually knowing or practicing the thing.

And unfortunately, it is mostly the case in literature. Look at the blind hero-worshipping of prominent literary figures. Most people claim to ‘love’, ‘respect’ and ‘idolise’ many writers and poets and yet they scarcely read their works or practice the humanitarian values the artists lived by.

But it would be a very sad fate, if one did the same with Kazi Nazrul Islam- the great poet of Bengal. For I firmly believe that the time has come for the entire humanity to read him. ‘Kazi Saheb’ as I fondly call him in my humble loving manner, is the man the world needs more than ever. 

On his 125^th birth anniversary, here are 3 lessons the world must learn from his super interesting life, incredible literary oeuvre and immense contribution to the nation, sahitya and humanity.

1. Raise your voice against injustice

Kazi Nazrul Islam was arrested multiple times by the British for his firm views on Indian freedom and British unjustness. 

But even in prison, Nazrul never abandoned his call for a revolution, instead kept writing with greater will as he wrote ‘Rajbondir Jobanbondi’ (Silencing the Political Prisoner) from behind the bars. Indeed, he was a ‘rebel-poet’, a ‘Bidrohi’ with a head held high eternally!

2. Embrace humanism above everything else!

The world has never seen such a secular man. Kazi sahib practiced what he preached. He named his sons with both muslim and hindu names. In his poems, he repeatedly spoke of all religions being equally reverential and leading to the same ocean of divinity.

 In his celebrated poem Sammobadi i.e. The Song of Equality he writes that all religions, scriptures are leading to the same goal, of man finding the divine within and rising above these extremist strifes. Throughout his life, he repeatedly called for a secular harmonious society.

3. No matter what you do, contribute to social reform

Poetry is not always limited to the beloved or the stars and moon. Poetry stems from life and hence covers all its multifaceted angles. Nazrul was a staunch feminist and believed in gender equality. He emphasized on the importance and contribution of both the genders in leading a holistic life and family. His humanism was not just confined to this, he even wrote for the upliftment of the marginalized section of society. 

In his iconic poem ‘Barangana’ he addresses the sex worker as a mother and thereby opposes their patriarchal understanding and definition.

 You must learn more about him

All in all, Kazi Nazrul Islam is a great asset to literature, to the world, to humanity. All students must explore his poems and get hold of abridged versions of English or Hindi translations of the same. 

Read one poem of Nazrul, and you will not be the same anymore! Your heart will find the joy of humanity in everyone, everywhere!