Noted writer and poet Prof Muhammad Samad has been conferred Ekushey Padak this year in the language and literature category. Poet Muhammad Samad received various prestigious awards for his contribution in the field of literature. He, also the President of the National Poetry Council, is currently serving as the Pro-Vice Chancellor (Admin) at Dhaka University. Talking to the Daily Observer, Prof Samad reminisced his exposition since childhood and gave insights into poetry and all forms of literature that serve humanity. The interview has been conducted by our Dhaka University Correspondent, Tausiful Islam.
Daily Observer: When did you started writing poems?
Prof Samad: I started writing poems since my school life. I was then in Class VI or VII. I wrote my first poem on Kazi Nazrul Islam. But unfortunately, I have lost the poem. At that time, we locally initiated to publish Ekushey Sonkolon and local literary magazine on the occasion of the Independence Day. My teacher Alauddin Khan published a magazine entitled Songrag when I got admitted to a college. He took me under his wings to work for the magazine.
Daily Observer: Does the Ekushey Padak imposes more responsibility on you?
Prof Samad: I have received a lot of awards including Bangla Academy Literary Award and now Ekushey Padak. I would say this is more than I deserve. I am a small poet, teacher and researcher. I penned not only poems but also essays, travelogues as well as memoirs and research articles on social issues. I have also some translation works. I studied and wrote at the best of my capability. However, the recognition imposes responsibilities on me in two dimensions - to the writing and to the society. Therefore, my effort on writing will continue. Besides, Im a teacher and I have been teaching my entire life. I am indebted to my well-wishers. Thousands of people write poems, but one or two survive at the end. That the poets are not recognised widely also inspire us to write poems. I acknowledge my debt to them and I thank them as well.
Daily Observer: What is your advice to the poets who feel demotivated due to the lack of recognition?
Prof Samad: Unfortunately, recently political consideration in terms of connection with the ruling party has become instrumental in this regard. There is a controversy on awards. Now most of the award recipients are good writers, researchers and artists. There might be exception in one or two cases. That is also not acceptable, however, it would be acceptable if the awards are conferred more carefully. The highest number of books of verses are being released in the book fair every year. Secondly, poets flock to the poetry festival arranged every year in different parts of the world. It indicates that the value and attraction for poetry is increasing day by day. The cravings for the poetry will never disappear. So the young writers need to be encouraged. They need to study different aspects and forms of the poetry as well as lifestyles of prominent poets.
Daily Observer: How is the National Poetry Council contributing to the betterment of the downtrodden people in society now?
Prof Samad: The poetry council has emerged during a critical undemocratic situation of the country. The poetry festival came first and after that the council was formed 1987. All pro-liberation and progressive poets in the country were involved with the council. An organisation has two sides - literary and political. At that time, we performed political duty against military regime through democratic movement. Till now, the poetry council stands by the side of the pro-liberation forces and will remain in the future. Writing poetry is a work that should be done silently. But, the poets unite in a frenzy of emotion on February 1 and 2 every year and share feelings with each other. The festival encourages poets from home and abroad.
Daily Observer: How do you manage time to write poems even though you need to maintain the positions of a professor, organiser and administrator?
Prof Samad: I try to read regularly. I read whenever I get time and try to find gaps in writings. There is no subjects that Rabindranath Tagore did not touch in his works. But the society is changing, many new things are emerging. I try to write on the transformed aspects. I write selectively. I always think of writing differently from others following my own styles.
Daily Obderver: Thank you Dr. Muhammad Samad.
Prof Samad: Many thanks to the readers of the Daily Observer and you Mr Tausif.
