Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury today called for inspiring the new generation with the ideals of humanity, communal harmony, equality and patriotism embodied by National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam.
He made the call while addressing as the chief guest a prize-giving ceremony and cultural programme at the Dhaka divisional level of institution-based cultural competitions held across the country to celebrate 'Nazrul Year'.
The programme took place at the auditorium of Azimpur Government Girls' School and College this afternoon.
The minister said Kazi Nazrul Islam's humanist philosophy, non-communal spirit, ideals of equality and patriotism were an everlasting source of inspiration for the new generation. Through the practice of Nazrul's works, creativity, human values, tolerance and patriotism could be fostered among young people.
He said the development of healthy cultural practices was one of the key foundations for building an enlightened, humane and harmonious society.
Nitai Roy said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman had declared 'Nazrul Year' while inaugurating a three-day programme in Trishal on the occasion of the national poet's 127th birth anniversary. The declaration had created an opportunity to give fresh momentum and a new dimension to the practice of Nazrul's works across the country.
He said an initiative had been taken to organise cultural competitions at all educational institutions nationwide as part of Nazrul Year, which would help increase students' interest in the poet's life, philosophy and literary works.
Describing Nazrul as an extraordinary and remarkable talent, the minister said love and rebellion were powerfully reflected in his creations. By composing Shyama Sangeet alongside Islamic songs, Nazrul had set a unique example of religious harmony and non-communalism that remained highly relevant to society today.
Nitai said Bangladesh's culture was multi-dimensional and diverse. Emphasis should be placed on practising and promoting traditional and folk cultural forms, including boat races, Jatra theatre, Baul songs and the songs of Hason Raja, Lalon and Bijoy Sarkar.
Speaking as a special guest, Cultural Affairs Secretary Yasmin Begum said the competition organised to mark Nazrul Year was not merely a contest. Its main objective was to spread among students the national poet's non-communal spirit, patriotism, human values and multifaceted creative ideas.
Dhaka Divisional Commissioner Md Maniruzzaman Miah chaired the programme.
Additional Divisional Commissioner (General) Md Azmul Haque, Principal of Azimpur Government Girls' School and College Professor Nurjahan Akter, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Central Executive Committee Cultural Affairs Secretary Ashraf Uddin Ahmed Ujjal, JASAS Central Committee Convener Helal Khan and Member Secretary Zakir Hossain Rokon, among others, attended the programme.
Later, the guests handed over prizes to the winning students from Dhaka Division. A cultural programme was also held on the occasion.
