Row erupts over removal of Kazi Nazrul Islam’s belongings from Churulia Museum

Tension is mounting in Churulia, the birthplace of renowned poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, following the relocation of his belongings from the Nazrul Academy Museum to Kazi Nazrul University in Asansol. Family members of the poet and local residents have strongly objected to the move, calling it a violation of heritage and public trust.

At a press conference held on Monday, Nazrul’s nephew Kazi Ali Reza condemned the action, stating that a significant portion of the museum’s collection—comprising the poet’s personal items, manuscripts, and memorabilia—had already been moved. He claimed that a second consignment was stopped by protestors.

“Visitors from India and Bangladesh come here to connect with Nazrul’s life and legacy. Relocating these items strips Churulia of its cultural and emotional identity,” Reza said. He also recalled a prior agreement made in the presence of the university’s former vice-chancellor, ensuring that no museum items would be removed.

Reza further raised concerns over unfulfilled financial pledges made for the site’s renovation. He stated that despite assurances of Rs 10 lakh from Asansol MP Shatrughan Sinha and ₹5 lakh from local MLA Narendranath Chakraborty, no funds had been received. “We don’t know where the money went or how it was used,” he added.

Local residents and members of the Nazrul Academy, including singer Sonali Kazi, echoed these concerns. “Nazrul’s museum is not just a collection of objects—it is the soul of this village,” said one local participant at the press briefing.

In response, Kazi Nazrul University Registrar Dr. Chandan Konar stated that the Nazrul Academy, including the museum and ancestral house, is now under the jurisdiction of the university. He clarified that the transfer is part of a state-funded restoration initiative led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, with Rs 1.5 crore allocated for the project under the tourism department.

“To preserve the poet’s manuscripts and other valuable items during the renovation, they are being temporarily housed at the university,” said Dr. Konar. “Once restoration is complete, all items will be returned. Our objective is to upgrade the museum to international standards.”

He also addressed the criticism, adding, “Nazrul is not anyone’s private property. People around the world study his work. It’s unfortunate that some are trying to claim sole ownership over his legacy.”

Kazi Nazrul Islam, the national poet of Bangladesh, was born in Churulia, in West Bengal’s Paschim Bardhaman district. The mud house where he was born was replaced in 1958 with a multi-storey structure now known as the Nazrul Academy. The museum on the ground floor contains handwritten manuscripts, early publications, musical instruments, clothes, awards, and even a bed used by his wife, Promila Devi. A collection of rare photographs, including those from his funeral on August 29, 1976, also draws crowds throughout the year.

As the dispute escalates, Churulia’s residents and Nazrul’s descendants remain steadfast in their demand: the poet’s artifacts must remain in his birthplace. Whether the state’s assurances will be enough to calm tensions remains to be seen.