A guiding light for culture and consciousness

Abul Hasnat, editor of Kali O Kalom, always worked towards building a nation of rich cultural and literary legacy, said speakers at an event yesterday.
The remarks were made at the third instalment of “Abul Hasnat Memorial Lecture”, organised by Bengal Foundation in the capital’s Bengal Shilpalaya. At the event, speakers recalled the life, work and achievements of Hasnat. 
Hasnat, who passed away on November 1, 2020 at the age of 75, was best recognised as the editor of Kali O Kalom, a revered monthly literary magazine.
He was also a poet, essayist, art critic, litterateur and cultural personality.
Eminent academic Prof Syed Manzoorul Islam said Hasnat was someone who dedicated his life to guiding others in their own journeys in life. He was well known for his deep connection to human sensibilities.
“His death has left a void in the cultural arena, we still do not know how to fill this,” he added.
Reflecting on the post-1971 era, Islam remarked, “We believed that the path of literature would flourish further. Sadly, we did not see the growth we had anticipated.”
Hasnat highlighted the growing question about the trajectory of literature, he added.
“Genuine liberation is more than political freedom. It is the freedom of thought and consciousness,” he explained.
Islam noted that the tools for knowledge acquisition have changed, with social media taking the place of books. However, ability to critically assess these tools impartially seems to be waning, leading to a more one-dimensional society that stands in the way of a thoughtful, developed nation.
Islam expressed hope that future generations would grow in an environment that embraces culture and education.
“We may not fully realise how much we’ve contributed to this dream, but people like Hasnat bhai devoted their lives to such a vision,” he added.
Nasimun Ara Haq, wife of Abul Hasnat, said, “Hasnat believed that culture is the life of a nation. He was involved with art, culture and progressive stream of politics throughout his entire life. He devoted his life to practising art and culture as well as establishing a progressive society of readers. He also helped many literary talents flourish as he considered that as his responsibility.”
Journalist Abul Momen presented the memorial lecture at the event.
Born in 1945 in the Old Dhaka, Hasnat was actively involved with Chhatra Union while studying at Dhaka University. He was the vice-president of Chhatra Union in 1971. He also played a role in the Liberation War while staying in India.