Remembrances
Shamsur Rahman . . . defining modernism
If Tagore was the last poet in the Bengali tradition, Jibanananda Das was the first of a new breed. And this new breed, in the trend of Bengali modern and post modern poetry, has been unarguably sustained by the powerful contributions of Shamsur Rahman. Shamsur Rahman emerged in his time as the most popular poet of modern Bengali literature. Popularity apart, Shamsur Rahman had distinguished himself as an extraordinary poet presenting a paradigm hitherto best chosen. It is a fact that his most familiar poetic diction, choice of words and thematic preferences took not much time to reach the heart of the readers. Today it can be said without exaggeration that the poetry of Shamsur Rahman has become the defining essence of modernism in 21st century Bengali poetry. Shamsur Rahman was born on 24 October 1929 in Dhaka. He studied at Pogose High School [matriculation in 1945], Dhaka College and Dhaka University. Shamsur Rahman wrote most of his poems in free verse, often with the rhythm style known as Poyaar or Aakhsharbritto. It is popularly known that he followed this pattern from poet Jibanananda Das. He also wrote poems in two other major patterns of Bengali rhythmic style, namely, Matrabritto and Shorobritto. Shamsur Rahman was equally popular in both Bengals. Surely, his early poems bear the influence of Jibanananda, Satyendranath Dutta and Buddhadeb Bose. However, before long, he thoroughly overcame all influences and created a post modern poetic diction of his own. As his style and diction matured, his message appeared to touch urban hearts. In fact, he placed huge attention on liberal humanism, human relations and romanticised the rebellion of youth. Emergent events in Bangladesh and opposition to religious fundamentalism in his poetry and other writings underpinned his thoughts. His poetic talent has reserved a special niche for him in Bengali modern poetry. The poet's literary creativity transcended borders and revealed his literary, social and political commitments. He not only came to be looked upon as the keeper of the nation's conscience but also as someone who provided intellectual and moral sustenance to liberals. And when the real test came, he led from the front and inspired them to emerge victorious. His role in ousting autocracy from power is well known. Also quite widely known is his abhorrence for those elements which had once made an attempt on his life. Their intense and pronounced hatred for him centered round his stout commitment to the values of the Liberation War, especially secularism. His most celebrated works include Prothom Gan Ditio Mrittur Aage (1960), Roudro Korotite (1963), Biddhosto Nilima (1967), Bondi Shibir Theke (1972), Bangladesh Shopno Dakhay (1977), Udbhot Uter Pithe Cholche Shodesh (1983), Buj Tar Bangladesher Hridoy (1988), Octopus (1983), Adbhut Adhar Ak(1985), Alating Belating (1974), Robert Frost-er Kobita (1966) and Robert Frost-er Nirbachito Kobita (1968). The awards Shamsur Rahman received include Adamjee Award (1962), Bangla Academy Award (1969), Ekushey Padak (1977), Swadhinata Dibosh Award (1991), Mitshubishi Award of Japan (1992), Ananda Puroshkar from India (1994) and TLM South Asian Literature Award for the Masters, 2006. Shamsur Rahman died in Dhaka at the age of 77 on 17th August 2006. His death was a body blow to all those in Bangladesh who have fought authoritarianism, and who have upheld the cause of secularism, democracy and Bengali nationalism. We remember this prolific poet with due homage four years after his passing.
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