Baul Shah Abdul Karim - Paragraph

Baul Shah Abdul Karim - Paragraph

Baul Shah Abdul Karim is one of the most famous folk singers and composers in Bangladesh. He was born in Uzan Dhola in Dari Upazila, Sunamganj on 5 February 1916. He spent this whole life in his small village. Shah Abdul Karim grew up in poverty and hardship from his childhood. Poverty forced him to get into agricultural labour. At the age of 12, he studied sometime in a night school at his own village. But he learnt from nature. He received training on spiritual and baul music from Shah Ibrahim Mastan. Ektara, a traditional single instrument, has been his constant companion. He along with baul Kamaluddin performed folk songs at different public meetings of the United Front Electioning of 1954. He wrote over 1,500 songs. His songs have been completed in six books such as "Ganasangit" (1954). Aftab Sangit (1948), Jalmir Dhau (1984), Vhatir Chitthi (1998), Dalamela (1990), Kalmir Kule (2009). Bangla Academy has translated ten of his songs into English. He was awarded the "Ekusey Padak for his outstanding contribution in 2001. He also received some other awards like "Drohee khota Shahitayk Abdur Rauf Chowdhury" award in 2000, He died in Sylhet on 12 September 2009 due to respiratory problems.