AGARTALA, May 25 (TIWN): Stage is all set to observe the 117th birth anniversary of Rebel poet Kazi Nazrul Islam on Tuesday next. Various programs are scheduled to observe the birth anniversary of the poet.

Preparation is on the peak around the state. School education department is scheduled to organize a program on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Kazi Nazrul Islam. However, it is expected that Chief Minister Manik Sarkar, ICA minister Bhanu Lal Saha along with other dignitaries to remain present in the program. 

Sources also said that, a program is also scheduled to be held at Nazrul Kala kshetra to pay tribute to the rebel poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. ICA minister Bhanu lal Saha is expected to attend the program. The program will be followed by cultural activities.

Sources further said, that, a program is also scheduled to be observed in a joint collaboration with Udaipur Municipal Council and Information and cultural Affairs department which will be followed by floral tribute and cultural activities.

Kazi Nazrul Islam was a poet, musician and revolutionary who pioneered poetic works espousing intense spiritual rebellion against fascism and oppression. His poetry and nationalist activism earned him the popular title of Bidrohi Kobi (Rebel Poet). Accomplishing a large body of acclaimed works through his life, Nazrul is officially recognized as the national poet of Bangladesh and being remembered and honored fondly in India.

Nazrul's writings explore themes such as love, freedom, and revolution; he opposed all bigotry, including religious and gender. Throughout his career, Nazrul wrote short stories, novels, and essays but is best-known for his poems, in which he pioneered new forms such as Bengali ghazals. Nazrul wrote and composed music for his nearly 4,000 songs collectively known as Nazrul geeti (Nazrul songs), which are widely popular today.

At the age of 43 he began suffering from an unknown disease, losing his voice and memory. It caused Nazrul's health to decline steadily and forced him to live in isolation for many years. The outspoken poet and activist for freedom passed away in Dhaka (Bangladesh), at the age of 77.