Poets and reciters have paid tribute to poet Asad Chowdhury, who died recently, and recalled his contribution to the advancement of contemporary Bengali literature.
The poetry organization “Kathak” organized the event in remembrance of Asad Chowdhury in the city’s Bishwo Shahitto Kendro on Monday night.
Elocutionists of Shrutighor presented recitation of selected poems of Asad Chowdhury.
Born on 11 February 1943 in Ulania Zamindar family of Barisal's Mehendiganj, Asad Chowdhury emerged as one of the most powerful poetic voices of the '60s.
He was a poet, writer, translator, radio, and television personality, journalist, teacher and cultural activist. He was awarded the Ekushey Padak in 2013 and the Bangla Academy Literary Award in 1987.
He died in Toronto, Canada on October 5 this year at the age of 80.
With Kathak head eminent poet Aminur Rahman moderating the session, Bangla Academy Director General, poet Muhammad Nurul Huda, poet Nasir Ahmed, poet Golam Kibria Pinu, poet and reciter Shakib Lohani and poet Reaz Ahmad discussed the life and works of poet Asad Chowdhury and recited poems.
Two renowned visiting poets from Germany and Argentina, Tobias Burghardt and Jona Burghardt also joined the event, reciting Asad Chowdhury's poems translated into German and Spanish. Besides, poet and reciter Shaila Kabir and poet Mir Akram also recited poems at the event.
Then poetry recitation organization Shrutighor artists enthraled the audience with their soulful recitations of selected Asad Chowdhury poems through both individual and group performances.
Asad Chowdhury's first book of poems - Tabak Deya Pan - was published in 1975. His other notable poetry books include: Bitto Nai Besat Nai (1976), Ekka Dokka (1980), Joler Madhya Lekhajokha (1982), Je Pare Paruk (1983), Modhya Math Theke (1984), Megher Julum Pakhir Julum (1987), Nadio Bibastro Hoi (1992), Premer Kabita (1992), Garbo Amar Anek Kichur (1994), Tan Bhalobasher Kabita (1996), Batash Jemon Parchito (1998), Brishtir Sansare Ami Keo Noi (1998), Kichu Phool Ami Niviye Diechi (2003), and Prem o Prakritr Kobita (2003).
He translated many poems of contemporary Urdu poets and a poetry book of translated Urdu poems was published in 2003 - Barir Kache Arshi Nagar.
He published books of folktales too. Notable ones include: Teen Rasarajer Adda (1998), Vin Desher Lok Kahini (1998), John Henry (2001), Chotother Mojar Golpo (2001) and Annya Desher Lok-Kahini (2004). Besides, his two books of biography genre - Rajanikanta Sen and Michaelangelo were published in 1989 and 2001 respectively. An anthology of poems - Kabita Samagra - was published in 2000 and an essay book - Kon Alokar Phool - was published in 1982.
Asad Chowdhury was a widely translated poet with his writings published in many languages including English, French, German, Spanish, Hindi, Urdu, and Malayalam and books have been published in the US, Canada, UK, France, Germany, India, and Pakistan.
