Legendary poet Jibanananda Das’ 115th birthday is today. Dimly recognised during his lifetime, today Das is considered as the premier poet of the post-Tagore era in India and Bangladesh. He is knows as Bengal’s most loved poet and “most alone of Bengali poets” too as he was an introvert. During his lifetime, only seven volumes of his poems were published. After his death, it was discovered that apart from poems, Das wrote several novels and a large number of short stories.
Jibanananda Das was born in 1899 in a Vaidya-Brahmin family in the small district town of Barisal. The poet is considered one of the precursors who introduced modernist poetry to Bangla literature, during the period when it was influenced by Rabindranath Tagore’s romantic poetry. During the latter half of the twentieth century, Jibanananda emerged as the most popular poet of modern Bengali literature.
His notable poetic works are Jhora Palok, Dhushor Pandulipi, Bonolota Sen, Mohaprithibi, Shaat-ti Tarar Timir, Shrestho Kobita and Ruposhi Bangla.
Das died on October 22, 1954, eight days after he was hit by a tramcar. The witnesses said that though the tramcar whistled, he did not stop and got struck. Some believe the accident as an attempt at suicide.
On the occasion of the prolific poet and writer’s 115th birthday, Barisal BM College is holding a daylong programme today from 10am to 9pm on the premises of the college.
A concert titled Amar Shokol Gaan Tobu O Tomare Lokkho Kore organised by Jibanananda Uthshob Udjapan Parishad and supported by Drupodi.com will be held at the venue in the afternoon. The concert will feature popular band Maqsood O’ Dhaka, noted poet-singer Kafil Ahmed, band Chitkar and Shohojia.
The programme will also comprise discussions, recitations, screening of films and cultural performances by local cultural organisations.
