Jasimuddin

Jasimuddin (, ; 1 January 1903 – 14 March 1976), popularly called Palli Kabi , was a Bangladeshi poet, lyricist, composer and writer widely celebrated for his modern ballad sagas in the pastoral mode. Although his full name was Jasim Uddin Mollah, he was known as Jasim Uddin. His Nakshi Kanthar Math and Sojan Badiar Ghat are considered among the best lyrical poems in the Bengali language. He is the key figure for the revivals of pastoral literature in Bengal during the 20th century.

Born in Faridpur, Jasimuddin was educated at Calcutta University where he also worked as Ramtanu Lahiri assistant research fellow under Dinesh Chandra Sen from 1931 to 1937. In 1938, he joined the University of Dhaka and taught there for 5 years.

Early life and career

Jasimuddin (certificate in hand) at the reception by Rajenra College, Faridpur after the selection of "Kabar" poem by the University of Calcutta in 1928

Jasimuddin was born on 1 January 1903 in his maternal uncle’s house in the village of Tambulkhana, Faridpur District. His father, Ansaruddin Mollah, was a school-teacher.

Jasimuddin joined the University of Dhaka in 1938 as a lecturer. He left the university in 1944 and then worked at the Department of Information and Broadcasting until his retirement in 1962 as the deputy director.

Major honors and awards President's Award for Pride of Performance, Pakistan (1958) DLitt. by Rabindra Bharati University, India (1969) Ekushey Padak (1976) Independence Day Award (1978)

Personal life Jasimuddin was married to Begum Mamtaz Jasimuddin (d. 2006). Together they had three sons, Kamal Anwar Hashu, Firoz Anwar and Khurshid Anwar, and two daughters, Begum Hasna Moudud and Asma Elahi. Hasna is married to politician Moudud Ahmed.

Death and legacy

Jasimuddin died on 14 March 1976 and was buried near his ancestral home at Gobindapur, Faridpur. A fortnightly festival known as Jasim Mela is observed at Gobindapur each year in January commemorating his birthday.

Major works Poetry

Play

Novel Boba Kahini is about Faridpur life picture story; the only novel by him (1964)

Memoirs

Travelogues

Music books

Others

Song titles

Gallery