Nazrul Across Borders

Literature finds renewed meaning when it travels across languages and cultures. On 8 February 2023, at the Spanish Theme Pavilion of the 46th International Kolkata Book Fair, a memorable moment of cultural exchange unfolded through a special programme dedicated to Kazi Nazrul Islam, the Rebel Poet of Bengal.

Organised by Chhayanat (Kolkata) in cooperation with the Embassy of Spain in India, the programme explored Nazrul’s poetry and its translations into Spanish, creating a meaningful dialogue between Bengali literary heritage and the Spanish-speaking world. The initiative was led by Somerita Mallik, President of Chhayanat Kolkata, whose vision brought together poetry, performance, and translation with sensitivity and purpose.

I had the privilege of contributing to this programme by translating selected poems and quotations of Kazi Nazrul Islam from Bengali into Spanish, followed by their recitation in Spanish. Translating Nazrul is never merely a linguistic exercise; his poetry carries rebellion, rhythm, and profound humanism. Rendering his words into Spanish meant preserving not only their meaning, but also their emotional force and musical vitality for a new audience.

The programme was further enriched by compelling Bengali performances by Souvik Sasmal, Tista De, and Debalina Chowdhury, whose recitations brought alive the intensity and lyrical depth of Nazrul’s original verses. Experiencing the poetry in both Bengali and Spanish allowed the audience to sense how a poet’s voice transforms yet remains timeless across languages.

The presence of Sonsoles Ballesteros-Vexenat, First Secretary of the Embassy of Spain in New Delhi, added a significant diplomatic and cultural dimension to the event. She warmly appreciated the initiative and expressed her thanks and gratitude for the thoughtful presentation of Nazrul’s poetry in Spanish, acknowledging the importance of translation in strengthening cultural ties between India and Spain. 

The programme was also honoured by the presence of Professor Malabika Bhattacharya, along with many other distinguished scholars, writers, artists, and culturally engaged audience members.

The event was supported by the Government of Spain, the Ministry of Culture and Sports (Spain), the Embassy of Spain in India, AECID, Acción Cultural Española (AC/E), Turespaña, Spain Tourism, and Meta Arts, reflecting a shared commitment to international cultural dialogue.

More than a literary programme, this event stood as a reminder that translation is an act of bridge-building. Through Nazrul’s poetry, the voice of Bengal resonated in Spanish, reaffirming that resistance, love, and freedom remain universal languages-capable of crossing borders, histories, and hearts.