Syed Waliullah facts for kids

Syed Waliullah (born August 15, 1922 – died October 10, 1971) was a famous writer from Bangladesh. He wrote novels, short stories, and plays. He is best known for his first novel, Lalsalu. This book was also called "Tree Without Roots" in English.

Syed Waliullah won many awards for his writing. These include the Bangla Academy Literary Award in 1961 and the Ekushey Padak in 1984. He also received the Bangladesh National Film Award for Best Story in 2001.

Early Life and Education

Syed Waliullah was born on August 15, 1922. His birthplace was Sholashahar in the Chittagong District. His parents were Nasim Ara Khatun and Syed Ahmadullah. Sadly, his mother passed away when he was only twelve years old. He had an older brother named Syed Nasrullah.

His father, Syed Ahmadullah, worked for the government. He was a district magistrate during the time of British rule in India. Waliullah spent his childhood in different places. These included Mymensingh, Feni, Krishnanagar, and Kurigram.

A special shrine covered with red cloth in Mymensingh inspired his famous novel, Lalsalu. He often saw this shrine when he lived there.

School and College Years

Waliullah finished his matriculation exam in 1939. He studied at Kurigram High School. He then completed his IA (Intermediate Arts) from Dhaka Intermediate College in 1941. In 1943, he earned his bachelor's degree from Ananda Mohan College in Mymensingh.

After that, he moved to Calcutta to study economics for his master's degree. However, he could not finish his studies. This was because his father passed away unexpectedly. He then started working for The Statesman newspaper. He worked there until 1947.

Career Journey

In 1947, Syed Waliullah moved from Calcutta to Dhaka. He began working for Radio Pakistan. In 1950, he was transferred to Karachi.

Working Abroad

From 1951, he worked as a press attaché. This means he helped with public relations for Pakistan's missions in other countries. He worked in New Delhi, Sydney, Jakarta, and London.

In 1960, he became the First Secretary at the Pakistan embassy in Paris. Later, in 1967, he joined UNESCO in Paris. UNESCO is a special agency of the United Nations.

His Literature and Writing Style

Syed Waliullah is known for looking deep into the minds of his characters. He was one of the first writers in Bangladesh to do this. His last two novels show how well he could reveal what his characters were truly thinking and feeling.

Notable Novels and Stories

One of his famous novels is Kando Nadi Kando (meaning Cry, o river). He wrote this book in 1968. Another well-known novel is Chander Amaboshay (meaning Dark moon), written in 1964.

He also wrote collections of short stories. These include Nayanchara (1946) and Dui Tir O Anyanya Galpa (meaning Two Shores and Other Stories), published in 1965.

Lalsalu - His Famous Novel

Lalsalu tells the story of a poor man named Majid. He comes from a background where he misunderstands some religious ideas. Majid arrives in a quiet, faraway village.

He tells everyone that an old grave is actually the Mazar (a holy tomb) of a Pir (a spiritual guide). He covers the grave with the traditional red cloth used for such tombs. By doing this, he gains power over the villagers' lives. He uses the supposed saint's power to control them.

The novel shows Majid's struggles. He deals with other religious people who try to become powerful. It also shows how old, non-religious beliefs still exist among the villagers. The story also explores Majid's own weaknesses.

Film Adaptation

In 2001, the novel Lalsalu was made into a film. Tanvir Mokammel directed the movie, which had the same title, Lalsalu.

Personal Life and Passing

Syed Waliullah met a French woman named Anne Marie Thibaud (1929–1997) in Sydney. They got married in 1955. They had two children together, named Simine and Iraj. He was also a cousin of Jamal Nazrul Islam, who was a famous physicist and mathematician.

Syed Waliullah passed away in Meudon, Paris, on October 10, 1971.

His Works

Novels

• Lalsalu (Tree without roots), 1948
• Chander Amaboshay (Dark moon), 1963
• Kando Nadi Kando (Cry, o river), 1966
• The Ugly Asian, 1959

Dramas

• Bahipir (1955)
• Tarangabhanga (1964)
• Sudanga (1964)

Short story collection

• Nayanchara (1945)
• Dui Teer O Anyanya Galpa (1965)

See also

In Spanish: Syed Waliullah para niños