Soul of Bengal

Jasimuddin (1903-1976) is one of the most famous poets from Bangladesh. The rendition of Bengali folklore and rural culture in his poetry earned him the name “The Country poet (Palli kobi)”. He was also a famous song writer, folklore collector and radio personality. On his 11^th (1^st January 1903) birth anniversary we remember this great personality of art and culture. 

 

The Field of Embroidered Quilt

• Nakshi kathar math ( The Field of embroidered quilt as translated by English poet EM Milford) and Shojon Badyar ghat (The Gypsy wharf) were the most famous of his lyrical works.

• These two were translated into 15 different languages .

• Besides this Jasimuddin authored 20 books of poetry depicting mostly the eternally peaceful, idyllic rural community of Bangladesh

  “ Field after field run along green winds sway tender paddy

 shoots that spreads like open hair

 In it butter fillies ornamented with wings …

Mother earth smiles at her fertile pride”.

Poet and Beyond:

• Beside 21 poetry books, Jasimuddin also authored 7 dramas, 1 Novel, 5 memoris and 4 travelogues.

• He authored 7 books on Bengali folksongs and composed some evergreen Bengali songs.

• Jasimuddin was a passionate collector of Bengali folktales and culture.

• His anthology of rural jokes of Bengal (Banglar Hashir Golpo) is a classic.

• As one of the compliers of Purbo Bangio Geetika ( Ballads of East Bengal ) he collected 10,000 folk songs.

• By career Jasimuddin was a teacher of Dhaka University and later joined the govt. information and Broadcasting Department.

Recognitions:

• Jasimuddin was awared the Ekushey Padak, the highest Bangladeshi civilian award in 1976 and Independence award in 1978.

• He was conferred D Litt from Rabindra Bharati University , India on 1969.

• He also achieved the presiden’s award of Pakistan named “ Pride of Performance, Pakistan 1958 “.

Death and Legacy:

• Jasimuddin breathed his last on 13^th March 1977.

• Many Bangadeshi films and telefilms have been inspired by his works.

• Famous film maker Khan ataur Rahman made a documentary on the life of this great poet.

• A residential hall of Dhaka University has been named after him to honour this great scholar of Art..

(Published by : the STAR 10 January 2014)

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