NSU celebrates Rabindra and Nazrul Jayanti 2026

North South University (NSU) celebrated Rabindra and Nazrul Jayanti 2026 at its auditorium on Thursday, marking the 165th birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore and the 127th birth anniversary of Kazi Nazrul Islam.

M. A. Kashem, member of the Board of Trustees of North South University, attended the programme as chief guest. Aziz Al Kaiser, chairman of the Board of Trustees of NSU, and Benajir Ahmed, member of the Board of Trustees of NSU, were present as special guests, according to a press release.

The programme was presided over by Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, vice chancellor of North South University.

Professor Salimullah Khan, director of the NSU Liberation War Research Center, delivered the keynote address on Rabindranath Tagore, discussing the poet’s life, philosophy and contributions to Bengali literature and education.

The keynote address on Kazi Nazrul Islam was delivered by Mohammad Zakir Hossain, Nazrul scholar and former executive director of the Kabi Nazrul Institute.

He said, “Nazrul is often identified solely as the Rebel Poet. However, we must understand why he became a rebel. His spirit of resistance, secular outlook, and message of human emancipation remain profoundly relevant in contemporary society.”

Speaking at the event, M. A. Kashem said, “Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam are two shining stars of our cultural heritage. Their literary and philosophical contributions are not only treasures of the Bengali language and culture but also invaluable sources of universal human values. Promoting the study and practice of their ideals and works among younger generations is a necessity of our time.”

Benajir Ahmed said, “The ideals, thoughts, and literary works of Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam will inspire younger generations to embrace humanistic, secular, and patriotic values.”

Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury said, “The ideas, creativity, and humanistic values of Tagore and Nazrul play an important role in the moral and intellectual development of students. Greater research and scholarly engagement with their literature and philosophy are essential.”

The concluding session featured remarks from Professor Nasar U. Ahmed, pro-vice chancellor of North South University, who thanked faculty members, students, university officials and guests for their participation.

The programme also included cultural performances based on the poetry, songs and literary works of Tagore and Nazrul, presented by the North South University Cultural Organization and the NSU Cine and Drama Club.