A thought-provoking discussion titled "July Uprising: The Legacy of Kazi Nazrul" was held at North South University (NSU) .The event likely focused on how Kazi Nazrul Islam's works and revolutionary spirit inspired and guided the student movement in 2024, particularly the "July Uprising".
Vice-Chancellor (VC) of NSU Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury chaired the event while Prof of NSU's Department of History and Philosophy Salimullah han, Editor of Daily Jugantor Poet Abdul Hye Sikder, Prof of Department of Political Science and Sociology Mahbubur Rahman and National Award-winning reciter Nasim Ahmed from the Nazrul Institute were present.
Prof Mahbubur Rahman inaugurated the programme, stating, "Kazi Nazrul Islam had a rebellious voice that spoke out against bigotry and was a passionate advocate for religious harmony, peace and justice. He is a symbol of the indomitable human spirit."
Prof Salimullah Khan remarked, "Although Kazi Nazrul Islam's works were composed over a century ago, they feel as if they were written recently and continue to impact current generations. He had a brief literary career spanning less than 25 years, during which he produced an exceptional body of poems and songs. If I had to describe Kazi Nazrul Islam's works in three words, they would be humanity, independence and respect."
Poet Abdul Hye Sikder said paying tribute to the martyrs of the July uprising, "Among his global peers and contemporaries, that included George Bernard Shaw, Robert Frost, and Virginia Woolf, Kazi Nazrul Islam not only excelled in one field, but shone across many. His works possessed an incredible range, encompassing emotion and reason, science and faith, and modernity and heritage." "It is a testament to how gifted an artist Kazi Nazrul Islam was that he managed to combine all these elements in complete harmony. Without the words of Kazi Nazrul Islam, we would not have the language to describe the July movement," he added.
Prof Abdul Hannan Chowdhury said, "I solemnly remember all those who lost their lives in the July Revolution. I hold deep respect for Kazi Nazrul Islam and his works, which inspired our youth and brought the nation together in spirit during that troubling time."
Following the dialogue, Nasim Ahmed recited Kazi Nazrul Islam's iconic poem "Bidrohi".
The programme concluded with musical performances of Nazrul's songs by NSU students.
