Commemorating Kazi Nazrul Islam’s 126th Birth Anniversary: Celebrating the Rebel Poet’s Enduring Legacy
Kolkata, May 25, 2025 — Bangladesh and India unite in celebrating the 126th birth anniversary of Kazi Nazrul Islam, the revered National Poet of Bangladesh and a towering figure in the Indian freedom struggle. Known as the “Rebel Poet” (Bidrohi Kobi), Nazrul’s fiery verses and revolutionary spirit continue to inspire millions, resonating across generations and borders. This milestone anniversary offers an opportunity to reflect on his bold opposition to the Khilafat Movement in Bengal during British rule and his enduring legacy as a champion of justice, secularism, and anti-colonial resistance.
A Poet’s Defiance Against the Khilafat Movement
Born in 1899 in Churulia, West Bengal, Kazi Nazrul Islam emerged as a literary and political force during India’s struggle against British imperialism. While many Muslim leaders in Bengal rallied behind the Khilafat Movement (1919–1924) to protest British policies and preserve the Ottoman Caliphate, Nazrul stood apart, criticizing the movement’s religious orthodoxy as “hollow religious fundamentalism” (Wikipedia, 2025; JETIR, 2024). He viewed its reliance on religious sentiment as a distraction from the broader fight for complete political independence.
Nazrul’s support for Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who abolished the Caliphate to establish a secular Turkish Republic, underscored his commitment to secular governance over religious institutions (Banglapedia, 2025; Indiafacts, 2025). Unlike the Khilafat Movement’s alliance with Gandhi’s non-cooperation strategy, Nazrul advocated for armed resistance, drawing inspiration from global revolutionary movements, including the Russian and Turkish revolutions (TSS Review, 2024). His seminal poem Bidrohi (The Rebel) became a rallying cry for the oppressed, urging Bengalis to reject both colonial oppression and communal divisions (IJELS, 2024).
In Bengal, where the Khilafat Movement gained significant traction among Muslim communities, Nazrul’s stance was both bold and controversial. He challenged the movement’s leaders, arguing that true liberation required a united, secular struggle that transcended religious lines (Erothanatos, 2024). His writings, published in journals like Dhumketu (The Comet), called for Purna Swaraj (complete independence), emphasizing social justice and equality for workers and peasants (Asiatic, 2024).
A Legacy of Revolutionary Activism
Nazrul’s opposition to the Khilafat Movement shaped his broader activism, positioning him as a pioneer of secular and socialist ideals in Bengal’s freedom struggle. Rejecting the moderate approaches of the Indian National Congress and the religious framework of the Khilafat Movement, he joined the Bengal state unit of the Congress and co-founded the Workers and Peasants Party with socialist leader Muzaffar Ahmed (Wikipedia, 2025). Through his editorship of the weekly Langal, Nazrul mobilized the masses, advocating for armed rebellion and socio-economic justice (TSS Review, 2024).
His poetry and Nazrul Geeti (songs) transcended communal boundaries, earning him admiration and criticism from both Hindu and Muslim communities. By championing unity and universal humanism, Nazrul redefined the anti-colonial struggle in Bengal, leaving a lasting impact on the region’s cultural and political landscape (Asiatic, 2024).
Celebrations Across Borders
On this 126th birth anniversary, cultural and literary organizations in Bangladesh and India are hosting events to honor Nazrul’s legacy. In Dhaka, the Nazrul Academy and Bangla Academy are organizing poetry recitals, musical performances of Nazrul Geeti, and seminars on his revolutionary contributions. In Kolkata, Kazi Nazrul University in Asansol is leading commemorations with exhibitions of his manuscripts and discussions on his role in Bengal’s freedom movement (Wikipedia, 2025).
Scholars and activists are also highlighting Nazrul’s relevance in addressing contemporary challenges, from communal tensions to social inequalities. “Nazrul’s rejection of religious orthodoxy in favor of universal justice speaks to today’s need for unity and equality,” said Dr. Ayesha Rahman, a literature professor at Dhaka University. “His vision remains a guiding light for our times.”
A Timeless Inspiration
As the world marks Kazi Nazrul Islam’s 126th birth anniversary, his legacy as a poet, revolutionary, and humanist endures. His bold opposition to the Khilafat Movement in Bengal during the British Raj exemplified his unwavering commitment to a secular, inclusive, and radical fight for freedom. Through his words and actions, Nazrul challenged colonial oppression and communal divisions, inspiring generations to strive for a just and equitable society.
In 2025, as we celebrate the Rebel Poet, let us recommit to his ideals of resistance, unity, and humanity, ensuring that his voice continues to echo in the fight for justice worldwide.
References
- Kazi Nazrul Islam. (2025). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazi_Nazrul_Islam
- Kazi Nazrul Islam: The Voice of Protest Against British Rule. (2024). JETIR. https://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2406069.pdf
- Islam, Kazi Nazrul. (2025). Banglapedia. https://en.banglapedia.org/index.php/Islam,_Kazi_Nazrul
- Kazi Nazrul Islam: The Rebel Poet. (2025). Indiafacts. https://www.indiafacts.org.in/kazi-nazrul-islam-rebel-poet/
- Nazrul’s Political Consciousness: Polygonal Tone. (2024). TSS Review. https://tssreview.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/30.pdf
- Rebellion in the Poems of Kazi Nazrul Islam: A Misconception. (2024). IJELS. https://ijels.com/upload_document/issue_files/37IJELS-103202138-Rebellion.pdf
- Bridging the Divide: Kazi Nazrul Islam and Nationalism. (2024). Erothanatos. https://www.erothanatos.com/_files/ugd/3e169b_af37fc98f1f743cdba85f3954c96a126.pdf?index=true
- Kazi Nazrul Islam and Decolonisation: Poetry as a Praxis of Political Resistance. (2024). Asiatic. https://journals.iium.edu.my/asiatic/index.php/ajell/article/download/2493/1087/4052
