Rare Kazi Nazrul Islam Archives and Memorabilia to Go on Display in Kolkata
In celebration of the 127th birth anniversary of the legendary Rebel Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, a week-long exhibition titled Amare Debo Na Bhulite (Do Not Let Me Be Forgotten) is set to open in Kolkata on May 23, 2026. Organized by Chhayanat Kolkata and curated by Somerita Mallik, the cultural showcase will take place at the Sunayani Art Gallery and Chittaprasad Gallery within the Jogen Chowdhury Centre for Arts on Anwar Shah Road. Running daily from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM until May 30, the event promises a rare cross-border bridge of history, bringing together prized archival collections from both India and Bangladesh.
The exhibition will feature an extraordinary array of historical treasures, including rare gramophone records featuring Nazrul’s own voice, first-edition books, vintage film booklets, and archival newspapers detailing the poet’s death in 1976. Alongside original commemorative stamps and coins, visitors can explore diverse artworks inspired by his life, ranging from portraits and slate-stone creations to traditional alpana art. Adding an interactive element to the tribute, the event will also feature live painting sessions by artists from Aarshi Kolkata, including a unique live portrait of the poet created using coffee by artist Partha Mukherjee.
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