RASUL NAME MURSHIDA SONG MUSIC & LYRIC JASIM UUDIN SINGER FARIDA Parveenwww.jasimuddin.org

. Like the lyrics of these songs which have taken shape from the waters of these rivers, the tunes too have blended into the lyrics from the lilting waters of the rivers." - Jasim Uddin, "Murshida Gaan", Dhaka, 1977 Since the early decades of the last century, modern Bengali literature swept into the mainstream of world culture through the works of such geniuses as Michael Madhusudan Dutt, Rabindranath Tagore and the rebel poet Kazi Nazrul Islam while poet Jasimuddin's austere lyrical anecdotes-depicting rural life with its joys and sorrows,romance and pathos-kept alive the link with the toiling masses. (The Independent, 28 March 2008) 'In every household there were milk cows. Those who did not have cows could go to a neighbour's house and ask for milk. Sitting on my blind great under Danu Mullah's lap as a boy, I used to listen to these stories of ease and prosperity. In my books Nakshi Kathar Math (The Field) and, Sojan Badiar Ghat (Gipsy Wharf) I was remembering the peoples of these villages. Even today this picture of plenty in the villages gives me pleasure when I think about it. Ir I could but change this joyless, needy land of today with all its prejudice for that land of happiness, song and prosperity, I would dance for joy (Jasim Uddin, Jibon Katha, 1964) The literature of this land (Bengal) is not merely Hindu literature, nor can it be said to be a Moslem literature. Since both Hindus and Moslems have written in one language (Bengali), the literature of this land is both Hindu and Moslem. Those who would separate the two and make literature will not last many day, I am sure. Because of the universality of appeal in the world of literature, sectarian thought is out of place there. If my own writing has achieved anything of universal appeal, then it is thanks to that sannasi' (Jibon Katha, 1964) . • Music books of Jasim Uddin • "Rangila Nayer Majhi, • Padmapar, • Gangerpar, • Jari Gan, • Murshida Gan, • Rakhali Gan • Baul and • Many unpublished songs... Many songs as musical ballets - Madhumala, Rupabati, Beder Meya etc are full of musics. Besides in his ballet books he has started every chapter with with songs. He wanted to print Abinranath Tagores paining in his book. But at that time there was not any printing facility to print details of Abinranath Tagore's soft painting. Abinranath Tagore advised Jasim Uddin to write a song at the begining of a chapter. Jasim Uddin followed Tagore's advise. Abinranath Tagore's painting on Nakshi Kathar Math: He wanted to publish 5 volumes of Folk Songs of Bangladesh. Bangla Academy published only one volume of his Songs "Jari Gan". Jasim Uddin refused to accept Bangla Academy Award because of their non-coperation of publishing several volumes of Folk Songs. Jasim uddin said that he collected more than 10, 000 thousands folk songs. It is a great national loss as these songs are not documented and interpreted by him. The rich heritage and treasure of bengali folk music and philosophy is found in his books Jari Gan and Murshida Gan. Jasim Uddin used to say if a government committe was reponsible to publish books, none of his books could have been published.