(From previous issue)
‘He collected more than 10,000 folk songs, some of which has been included in his song compilations Jari Gaan and Murshidi Gaan. He also wrote voluminously on the interpretation and philosophy of Bengali folklore.’
Jasim Uddin taught Bengali Language and Literature in the Dhaka University as a lecturer in 1938 and left it in 1944 and joined the Government service in the department of Information and broadcasting and served there as the deputy director until his retirement in 1962 but he never forgot his downtrodden countrymen, especially the backward rural folks. He continued writing poems, songs, stories, essays, novel, ballads dance drama and playwrights on different indigenous village-folks. He depicted the picture of tears and laughter, sorrows and happiness, miseries and anguish of them in most of his literary works.
After the Independence of the sub-continent British teachers left this country. However, A.G. Stock taught English in the Dhaka University. She appreciated Jasim Uddin very highly in her ‘Memoirs’ as saying; “He (Jasim . Uddin) is that rare phenomenon, a good poet where university education has not cut him off from the country tradition; illiterate villagers would accept his songs and ballads in the same spirit as those they learnt from their grandparents … ”
Though Jasin Uddin had colossal intimacy with those anti-Rabindra group of poets and litterateurs of the thirtieth in ‘Kollol Age’, he never took part in any such movement against anybody. Simply he got blessings from the poets and litterateurs like Abonindranath Tagore, Rabingranath Tagore, Kazi Nazrul Islam and worked silently in his own way.
Meanwhile his following Bengali anthologies came to light :
Rakhali(1927), Nakshi Kanthar Math (1929), Baluchar (1930), Dhankhet (1931), Sojonbadiar Ghat(1933), Hansu (1933), Rangila Naer Majhi (1935), which brought him a tremendous acclamation among the local critics, poets and litterateurs and he became famous overnight.
His later works are as follow-Padmapar (1950), Beder Meye (1951), Jader dekhechi (1951), Matir Kanna (1951), Matir Kanna (Sorrows of the Earth) has been translated into Russian. Modhumala (1951), Chole Musafir (1952) Pallibodhu (1957), Gramer Maya (1959), Suchoyany (1961),Thakur Barir Anginay (1961), Bangaleer Hasir Golpo (Part-l & Part-II 1960 & 1964), Dalimkumar (1963), Boba Kahini (1964), Jibonkotha (1st Volume-1964), Jari Gan (1968), Ogo Puspodhonu (1968), Smritipot (1964), Holdey porir Deshe (1967), Je Deshe Manush boro (1968), Padma Nadir Deshe( 1969), Boutubanir phool (1970), Bhoyaboho sei dingulite (1972), Mursidi Gan (1977), Germaner Sohore Bondore (1975), Smaraner soroni bahi (1978), Asmanir Kobi Bhai(1986), etc.
His famous songs are blended with Bhatiali, Bhawaia, and Mursidi tonal notes-
Shojon badiar ghat, O amar sonar moyna pakhi, Amar gaolar har khule ney, Amar Har Kala Korlam re, Amaiy Bhasaiya ney, Amay eto rate, Kemon tomar mata pita, Nisithe jaio fulo bone, Nodir kul nai kinar nai, O bondhu rangila, Prano Sokhire Rongila nayer Majhi etc.
Beside all works, Jasim Uddin fought against the Pakistani marauders through his powerful pen at the fag end of his life. His noted poem on liberation war-
The Freedom Fighter
“I am a freedom fighter.
Nights and days awake with death at the back
and a huge formidable nails ahead.
We are advancing to protect honours
of our mothers and sisters … ” (1971)- Tr. by M. M. Rahman
Jasim Uddin is internationally known as a poet of the villagefolks of Bangladesh. He has a long research experience in it. His knowledge in this regard is deep-rooted and versatile. The folk tradition and rich folklore heritage in Bangladesh is well known throughout the world now. Professor Amiya Chakravarty (a famous poet of the thirtieth) wrote a letter to Jasim Uddin in this connection for introducing Robert Payne, a noted American litterateur and researcher, on December 4, 1973.
*State University College
New Paltz New York 12561
Department of Philosophy Faculty Town
Telephone (914) 257 -2696/2695
December 4, 1973
Poet Jasim Uddin
Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Dear and esteemed Jasimuddin
It is a long time now since we met but our memories- so clearly associated with Rabindranath and you will never fade. From time to time I have heard about you from mutual friends, particularly from Prof. Aminul Islam who told me about you and your creative work, when I visited Dacca last year for a few days, I missed you but I am looking forward to another visit.
This letter will introduce you to Mr. Robert Payne, the author of the great biography of Gandhiji who also published last year a deeply moving and graphic book on Bangladesh (called “Massacre”, interpretative book which has had deep international repercussions.) Mr. Payne is going to Dacca in a few days to write another book on Bangladesh, touching upon its spiritual courage and literary traditions. Above all, it will be a human document giving us an insight into the life of the people and their creative spirit. Mr. Payne will greatly appreciate meeting you; he has heard much about you from me and I feel that your counsel and suggestions will be most valuable to him. He is, if I may add, a noble personality and a profoundly gifted writer.
With my warm regards, your sincerely
(Kobir Ondormohol :Tirisher Kobither Potraboli (Inner apartment of the Poet :Letters of the Poets of thirties) collected and edited with introduction by Dr. Abul Ahsan Choudhury), page 71.
Short life-sketch
Jasin Uddin was awarded D. Litt from Rabindra Bharati University in 1969 in appreciation of his folksy flavor of Bengali literature. Moreover for his pride and performance he won President’s award in 1958. He won also Ekushey Padak in 1976. However he refused to accept Bangla Academy award in 1974 for the reason unknown.
He was awarded Swadhinata Puroshkar in 1978 posthumously.
In each year in the month of January, Jasim Mela (fair) is observed commemorating the birthday of the poet in a befitting manner. The people from all walks of life, especially the village-folks that include folksingers who sing Baul, Jari-Sari, Mursidi, Bhatiali, Bhawaia songs and songs of Jasim Uddin join the Mela. Some of them also recite poems, stage dance drama (ballads) of the poet and some litterateurs discuss on the works of the poet analysing pros and cons of his folk literature that includes poems, songs, essays and biography of the poet remembering him with proper homage. Thus Polli-Kobi (a poet of village folks) Jasim Uddin remains ever at our heart in Bangladesh.
(Concluded)
