Rakika Rafi :
Mysterious eyes, a fine lip line and a head with glimmering, silver-white hair. That’s what my grandfather looked like. All these features used to bring forward a strong and distinguished personality – Shahabuddin Ahmad, the famous Nazrul specialist.
There was also something about his appearance, which clearly showed tranquility, dexterity and diligence, undoubtedly the characteristics of a great man.
Almighty Allah had bestowed upon him the quality of being a great litterateur. Even the most envious has to admit that he was the most adapt in his field of work. He was a Nazrul researcher, an editor, and an author of many ingenious articles and books. He was not just a researcher, not only a ‘Nazrul biographer’; but he had immense knowledge (about sports, politics, social, cultural and economical life and many other aspects such as poetry, art, drama, etc. Apparently he did not seem to be pious, but mentally he had great faith and understanding towards his religion.
He had written many books and articles about great poets, novelists and play writes of not only this country, but foreign countries as well.
He had great respect towards those who were the utmost knowledgeable and greatly dedicated to gain wisdom. Truly after his death on the 16th May 2007 I felt that our nation and we has lost a valuable gem in the sea.
If I had to talk about how he was towards his grandchildren, I will say, that I remember him being a very caring and loving grandfather.
He liked to eat well and would spend more than half of what he earned to fulfill what his appetite desired. He liked to eat something that I like to eat as well. That is fruits. I had noticed that he could eat any fruit of any quality and quantity, not getting tired of it. During summer, he would always send us half of what he bought. Even though he went through many physical disorders, he didn’t stop his eating habits.
We were taught to call him Nana and this was the word, which produced a sweet smile in his face.
One thing, that really used to amuse me was the way he was at home. I mean, for example, we all know that he really worked hard. But when he had to get a glass of water or a towel, which was just a feet away, he would call some one from the other room and ask to give it to him. And things at home really went the way he always wanted.
One more thing, that I realised, was that he was straightforward with his opinion in all aspects in the family. If any of us made any mistake while talking, writing or reading, directly finding our faults was something he did. But if we were wearing something he did not like or praising an object not of his choice, he would indirectly give a remark, which at times felt embarrassing. But we could learn from it.
As I was his first grandchild, I have had the luck to see and remember him the most, and this makes me feel really proud. Both my grandparents, especially my ‘Nana’ was very keen about my education. And as because he knew well about my academic structure, he surely had a lot of expectations.
He wanted that I should build a bright career and I hope, I shall achieve the goal.
During lunch or dinner he would always entertain us with unending songs or poems, which he remembered as if he had a photogenic memory!
But alas! Like most great men he had to suffer as well. He suffered the loss of an intelligent young son, Tipu, who had just entered his job career.
He went through financial crisis and most important of all, the lack of importance and appreciation, he should have got for his contribution to research on Nazrul literature and other literary works, as some people could not understand his superiority or he was the victim of injustice of the responsible vested quarters.
His death was a bolt from the blue for the young literary workers, who gathered inspiration from his literature — specially Nazrul literature.
My grandfather’s chronicle of life has been very painful as he had to suffer hard even before his death. But now, I guess things will change as many have realised that he was above par.
My grandfather is fortunate that he doesn’t owe anyone anything. The great Nazrul researcher Shahabuddin Ahmad, my grandfather, will be remembered for contribution to our literature. His memories will be in our heart forever.
May his soul rest in peace! n
Mysterious eyes, a fine lip line and a head with glimmering, silver-white hair. That’s what my grandfather looked like. All these features used to bring forward a strong and distinguished personality – Shahabuddin Ahmad, the famous Nazrul specialist.
There was also something about his appearance, which clearly showed tranquility, dexterity and diligence, undoubtedly the characteristics of a great man.
Almighty Allah had bestowed upon him the quality of being a great litterateur. Even the most envious has to admit that he was the most adapt in his field of work. He was a Nazrul researcher, an editor, and an author of many ingenious articles and books. He was not just a researcher, not only a ‘Nazrul biographer’; but he had immense knowledge (about sports, politics, social, cultural and economical life and many other aspects such as poetry, art, drama, etc. Apparently he did not seem to be pious, but mentally he had great faith and understanding towards his religion.
He had written many books and articles about great poets, novelists and play writes of not only this country, but foreign countries as well.
He had great respect towards those who were the utmost knowledgeable and greatly dedicated to gain wisdom. Truly after his death on the 16th May 2007 I felt that our nation and we has lost a valuable gem in the sea.
If I had to talk about how he was towards his grandchildren, I will say, that I remember him being a very caring and loving grandfather.
He liked to eat well and would spend more than half of what he earned to fulfill what his appetite desired. He liked to eat something that I like to eat as well. That is fruits. I had noticed that he could eat any fruit of any quality and quantity, not getting tired of it. During summer, he would always send us half of what he bought. Even though he went through many physical disorders, he didn’t stop his eating habits.
We were taught to call him Nana and this was the word, which produced a sweet smile in his face.
One thing, that really used to amuse me was the way he was at home. I mean, for example, we all know that he really worked hard. But when he had to get a glass of water or a towel, which was just a feet away, he would call some one from the other room and ask to give it to him. And things at home really went the way he always wanted.
One more thing, that I realised, was that he was straightforward with his opinion in all aspects in the family. If any of us made any mistake while talking, writing or reading, directly finding our faults was something he did. But if we were wearing something he did not like or praising an object not of his choice, he would indirectly give a remark, which at times felt embarrassing. But we could learn from it.
As I was his first grandchild, I have had the luck to see and remember him the most, and this makes me feel really proud. Both my grandparents, especially my ‘Nana’ was very keen about my education. And as because he knew well about my academic structure, he surely had a lot of expectations.
He wanted that I should build a bright career and I hope, I shall achieve the goal.
During lunch or dinner he would always entertain us with unending songs or poems, which he remembered as if he had a photogenic memory!
But alas! Like most great men he had to suffer as well. He suffered the loss of an intelligent young son, Tipu, who had just entered his job career.
He went through financial crisis and most important of all, the lack of importance and appreciation, he should have got for his contribution to research on Nazrul literature and other literary works, as some people could not understand his superiority or he was the victim of injustice of the responsible vested quarters.
His death was a bolt from the blue for the young literary workers, who gathered inspiration from his literature — specially Nazrul literature.
My grandfather’s chronicle of life has been very painful as he had to suffer hard even before his death. But now, I guess things will change as many have realised that he was above par.
My grandfather is fortunate that he doesn’t owe anyone anything. The great Nazrul researcher Shahabuddin Ahmad, my grandfather, will be remembered for contribution to our literature. His memories will be in our heart forever.
May his soul rest in peace! n
