Description

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Celebrated as the national poet of Bangladesh and fondly commemorated in India as the 'Rebel Poet', Kazi Nazrul Islam (1899-1976) is widely known for his poetry and music, although his political philosophy and anti-colonial revolutionary sentiments are best expressed in his journalistic writings.
Nazrul's journalistic career spans across three key newspapers: Nabajug, Dhumketu and Langol. Editorials in Nabajug addressed a diverse range of subjects, including untouchability, racial discrimination, power structure and the importance of communal harmony. Dhumketu, perhaps the most signifi-cant amongst Nazrul's revolutionary contributions, became a testimonial to the reclamation of India's complete freedom, which eventually proved perilous for Nazrul. Langol, the mouthpiece of the Labour Swaraj Party, was the -first Bengali paper speci-fically for and by the working class. It provided voice to the labourers and peasants, speaking self-reflexively about the nation's agro-economy.
Kazi Nazrul Islam's Journalism brings together for the fi-rst time in English Nazrul's editorials published in the colonial Indian subcontinent and showcases Nazrul's far-reaching views on subjects close to his heart. By critically examining these essays, Arka Deb establishes Nazrul's relevance in the current times.

About the Author

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Arka Deb is the editor in chief of inscript.me. He has worked as a senior journalist at CNN-News18, Asianet News and Anandabazar Patrika. His interests include archival projects, particularly on art, culture and current affairs.