North South University (NSU) organized a vibrant celebration titled “Rabindra and Nazrul Jayanti 2026” at the NSU Auditorium on Thursday, June 18, 2026, marking the 165th birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore, the Poet Laureate, and the 127th birth anniversary of Kazi Nazrul Islam, the National Poet of Bangladesh— two towering icons of Bengali literature and culture, a press release said.

The event was graced by M. A. Kashem, Member of the Board of Trustees of North South University, as the Chief Guest; Aziz Al Kaiser, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of NSU, and Mr. Benajir Ahmed, Member of the Board of Trustees of NSU, as Special Guests. The program was presided over by Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, Vice Chancellor of North South University.

The keynote address on Rabindranath Tagore was delivered by Professor Salimullah Khan, Director of the NSU Liberation War Research Center and a distinguished writer and researcher. He highlighted various aspects of Tagore’s life, philosophy, and literary works, emphasizing his humanism, educational philosophy, and significant contribution to the development of Bengali literature.

The keynote address on Kazi Nazrul Islam was delivered by Mohammad Zakir Hossain, Nazrul scholar and former Executive Director of the Kabi Nazrul Institute. He remarked, “Nazrul is often identified solely as the Rebel Poet. However, we must understand why he became a rebel. His spirit of resistance, secular outlook, and message of human emancipation remain profoundly relevant in contemporary society.”

In his address, Chief Guest M. A. Kashem said, “Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam are two shining stars of our cultural heritage. Their literary and philosophical contributions are not only treasures of the Bengali language and culture but also invaluable sources of universal human values. Promoting the study and practice of their ideals and works among younger generations is a necessity of our time.”

Speaking on the occasion, Benajir Ahmed said, “The ideals, thoughts, and literary works of Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam will inspire younger generations to embrace humanistic, secular, and patriotic values.”

In his remarks, Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury said, “The ideas, creativity, and humanistic values of Tagore and Nazrul play an important role in the moral and intellectual development of students. Greater research and scholarly engagement with their literature and philosophy are essential.”

In the concluding session, Professor Nasar U. Ahmed, Pro-Vice Chancellor of North South University, expressed his gratitude to the faculty members, students, university officials, and distinguished guests for their participation and support.

In addition to the discussion session, the celebration featured cultural performances based on the poetry, songs, and literary works of Tagore and Nazrul, presented by the North South University Cultural Organization and the NSU Cine and Drama Club, adding a vibrant artistic dimension to the event.