Nazrul’s 121st birth anniversary today

National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam's 121st birth anniversary today.

Google, the search engine giant is celebrating the day by replacing its regular home page graphic with Kazi Nazrul Islam's birth anniversary day special doodle.

Unlike previous years, there will be no public function this year because of the coronavirus outbreak. People will celebrate his birthday virtually by arranging various programme through Facebook live.

Born on May 25, 1899 at Churulia village in Burdwan district of West Bengal in India, Nazrul had inspired people to fight against injustice and repression of the colonial rule through his writings.

He is famous for his fiery poem Bidrohi (The Rebel) and his many melodious songs. He was a poet, lyricist, musician, revolutionary and philosopher.

The nation got inspirations from his poems and songs during the liberation war and all democratic movements and struggles.

There are 2,400 of his songs, they are known as Nazrul-Geeti or Nazrul Sangeet.

Nazrul was the poet of rebellion against injustice and taboos.

Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar will air various programmes on the occasion.

President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages highlighting the colourful life of the poet and his contributions to Bangla language and literature.

In his message, the President said, "Nazrul's write-ups inspired us to join all democratic movements and battles, including the anti-British movement, the Language Movement, the mass uprising in 1969, and the Liberation War."

He expressed his belief that the immortal presence of Nazrul will keep the Bengali nation alive forever.

In her message, the Prime Minister said, "We must continue to work together to build a secular, non-discriminatory, peaceful, happy and prosperous Bangladesh following the lifestyle of the rebel poet."