Agartala, May 26: Along with the rest of the country, Tripura on Monday observed **Nazrul Jayanti**, commemorating the birth anniversary of **Kazi Nazrul Islam**, the iconic rebel poet known for his contributions to Bengali literature, music, and the Indian freedom movement.
A state-level celebration was organized by the **Information and Cultural Affairs (ICA) Department**, where dignitaries, poets, and cultural enthusiasts paid homage to the legendary figure. **Tinku Roy**, Minister for Social Welfare and Social Education, led the tribute by garlanding the statue of Kazi Nazrul Islam and addressing the gathering on the poet’s enduring influence.
In his speech, the minister described Kazi Nazrul Islam as a “unique and extraordinary” poet whose powerful writings and revolutionary songs awakened the patriotic spirit of Indian youth during the colonial era. “Nazrul wanted to inspire the young generation to rise against British rule through his sharp and fearless pen,” Roy stated. He also emphasized that Nazrul’s humanist ideals remain deeply relevant today.
Quoting Nobel laureate **Rabindranath Tagore**, Roy remarked, “The more you understand Nazrul, the more enriched our culture becomes.” He urged the youth to embrace the poet’s message of equality, unity, and resilience, highlighting the importance of passing on his legacy to future generations.
The minister also shared that the ICA Department is actively working to revive endangered ethnic cultural traditions, an area previously neglected.
Several notable figures attended the event, including **Dr. Pradeep Kumar Chakraborty**, Secretary of the ICA Department; **Bishwajit Shil**, Acting President of West Tripura Zilla Parishad; **Himani Debbarma**, Mayor-in-Council of Agartala Municipal Corporation; **Sukhmoy Saha**, Corporator; **Subrata Chakraborty**, Vice Chairman of the State Cultural Advisory Committee; and **Bimbisar Bhattacharya**, Director of ICA.
The event concluded with cultural performances celebrating Nazrul’s poetic and musical contributions.
