Chandpur Times Top Newspaper in Chandpur
Today is the 11th death anniversary of Shah Abdul Karim, the legendary artist and musician of Baul and non-communal thought. On this day in 2009, he died of old age at a private hospital in Sylhet. Every year on the death anniversary of Baul Mahajan, Baul fans come to the glittering commemoration ceremony, but this time there is no ceremony due to Corona. However, it has been reported that the death anniversary will be celebrated in a family atmosphere.
Shah Abdul Karim was born on 15 February 1916 in the village of Ujandhal in Dirai upazila of Haorghera district of Sunamganj. He grew up in a non-communal consciousness from an early age. Protested against social inequality and bigotry. Study was not possible due to lack. However, he had the good fortune to study in a village night school for a few days. His life started by grazing cows in the next house. The one-time shepherd boy later became the king of Baul songs.
The patriotism in his songs was extreme. He inspired the Bengalis by writing inspirational songs about the 1954 elections, the mass uprising of 1969, the elections of 1970 and the liberation war of 1971. This artist was raised to death against fundamentalism, imperialism and capitalism. He won the heart of the people by singing for the country in the election rallies of eminent politicians including Hossain Shaheed Suhrawardy, Maulana Bhasani, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Shah Abdul Karim composed thousands of Ageless songs. His Aftab Sangeet is the first lyric book. It came out of Murshidi Press in Sunamganj in 1958. Also Kalni’s Dheu, Dhalmela, Bhatir Chithi are his notable lyric books. He was awarded the Ekushey Padak in 2001.
Baul Shah Nurjalal, the only son of Shah Abdul Karim, said that on the anniversary of his father’s death, devotees from far and wide used to gather at his house every year. They prayed for him through song. But this time there is no event due to Corona. We will celebrate the ceremony domestically.
News Room, September 12,2020
