Photo : Messenger
Kazi Nazrul Islam stood as a rebellious poet whose verses echoed themes of rebellion, love, and equality. He fiercely opposed imperialism, colonialism, and feudalism, advocating for women's empowerment and non-communal consciousness in his literary works.
Notably, he was the first in India to voice the call for complete independence, contributing significantly to India's eventual liberation from British rule. His indomitable spirit also left an enduring impact on the liberation war of Bangladesh.
During his struggle, Nazrul possibly frequented the residence of barrister Kiran Shankar Roy at Teota Zamindar Bari in Manikganj's Shibaloy Upazila. It was here that Nazrul found literary inspiration and love in the form of Asha Lata Sengupta Dolan, known as Duli, the wife of the poet.
Asha Lata Sengupta, born in 1908 to Bosonto Kumar Sengupta and Giribala Devi in Teota village, received education up to fifth grade in her hometown. Her father served as Naib in Tripura, and her uncle, Indra Kumar Sengupta, held the role of Inspector of Court of Wards in Tripura. Following Bosonto Kumar's sudden demise, Asha Lata and her mother found refuge with her uncle in Kandir Bank of Cumilla .
It was in Cumilla that Kazi Nazrul Islam crossed paths with Asha Lata. Their connection grew stronger over time, leading Nazrul to visit Cumilla five times due to his affection for Asha Lata, and he made two or three visits to Teota before their marriage.
Nazrul's last visit to Cumilla revealed their blossoming relationship, prompting Nazrul to relocate to Kolkata. Eventually, social pressures led Giribala Devi, Asha Lata's mother, to move to Kolkata with her daughter. In 1924, Nazrul and Asha Lata, now known as 'Promila' after marriage, tied the knot at the sole wish of Giribala Devi.
Moreover, Kiran Shankar Roy Chowdhury, the descendant of the Teota zamindar house, emerged as a stalwart in the independence movement. Kiran Shankar Roy was instrumental in leading the Bengali anti-British movement in East Bengal, joining forces with figures like Gandhiji and Netaji in the struggle against British rule. Nazrul's multiple visits to Teota might have forged a connection with Kiran Shankar Roy Chowdhury on the path of anti-British activism, influenced by Asha Lata's influence.
The Nazrul Promila Memorial stands proudly in Teota village, encompassing the zamindar's house, Promila's birthplace, and her educational institution. Annually, on the birth and death anniversaries of Nazrul and Promila, several commemorative events such as wreath-laying ceremonies and discussion meetings take place, honoring their legacy.
Shibaloy has witnessed the establishment of numerous organizations like Nazrul Promila Institute, Nazrul-Promila Parishad, Nazrul-Promila Sahitya Sangsad, and Promila Nazrul Cultural Group. Over the years, these entities have tirelessly worked towards the creation of a full-fledged University named Promila-Nazrul in Teota. They've celebrated Nazrul's birth and death anniversaries with equal reverence as in Dhaka, Mymensingh, and Cumilla.
Furthermore, initiatives such as the construction of the Nazrul Complex, renaming of the Shibaloy-Zafarganj road as Nazrul-Promila road in Manikganj town, and naming Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue have been proposed. The installation of a memorial plaque at Tejen Mitra's house in Manikganj, where the poet stayed in 1938, and the preservation of Nazrul Promila's memorial site at the national level, including the installation of their sculpture, have been advocated for.
Ajay Chakraborty, President of the Shibaloy Nazrul-Promila Cultural Group, highlighted the potential for tourism development in the area if the government initiates the establishment of a research center and ensures the preservation of traditional zamindar houses associated with Nazrul and Promila in Teota.Abdul Quader, Chairman of Teota Union, stressed the urgent need for the official renovation of Teota Zamindar's house, while visitors Rupa, Shefali Akhtar, Tanjila Akhtar, and Sohan Al Masoon expressed delight in visiting the traditional zamindar's house. However, they underscored the necessity for renovation to further enhance its appeal.
Rakhi Roy, Regional Director of Dhaka Archeology Department, acknowledged their efforts in renovating the Teota Zamindar's house and assured further improvements.
Shibaloy Upazila Nirbahi Officer BM Ruhul Amin Rimon confirmed that the historical house of Nazrul-Promila has been placed under the purview of the Directorate of Archeology, signifying a step towards preserving and honoring this significant historical site.
Messenger/Sami/Shahin
