"It is a matter of shame for us that Nazrul Islam's heritage has not been preserved properly. Nazrul Islam University would be set up at Churulia in Asansol," Mamata said.
Press Council of India chairman Markandey Katju, who was also present at the programme, appealed to the state government to set up a body of experts for translation of Nazrul's works from Bengali to Hindi.
"Unfortunately, Nazrul is not very well known outside West Bengal. Translating his works into English will help others living outside West Bengal to know about him," he said.
Describing Nazrul as one of the greatest modern poets of India, he repeated his appeal to the Centre to confer a Bharat Ratna on him.
Official sources said the academy at Rajarhat would be a complete educational and research centre on Nazrul, who wrote and composed nearly 4,000 songs, collectively known as 'Nazrul geeti' (Nazrul songs).
Initially, the state government wanted to transform Indira Bhavan, where former chief minister Jyoti Basu used to stay, into 'Nazrul Academy'. But the decision was later altered following protests from Congress leaders of the state fearing that Indira's memory will be lost.
Manuscripts, notations, memorabilia, letters, books by and on Nazrul published in West Bengal and Bangladesh will be available at the academy. (MORE)
