Abbasuddin Ahmed (1901-1959) was a renowned Bengali musician, scholar and recording artist. He was among the earliest Indian artists to take to the gramophone, and gained widespread acclaim in Calcutta before moving to Dacca in 1947. The essay featured in this episode is part of his 1961 autobiography, translated into English by his granddaughter, the musician and scholar Nashid Kamal. It talks about the early days of World War II propaganda department, the famine and political unrest in Calcutta, and the story behind the production of what is considered to be the first group of songs (millī naġhmāt) recorded for Pakistan. The perilous and alienating project was undertaken in 1946 by a group of young Bengali singers and poets, during the days of intense communal violence in the city. Chief among the songs was “Zamīñ Firdaus Pākistān ki Hogī Zamāne Meñ” (Pakistan will be Paradise on Earth). Penned by the poet and lyricist Fayyaz Hashmi and sung by Ahmed, the song was part of the All India Muslim League’s electoral campaign, and was aired by the Dacca radio station on the eve of August 14, 1947.

Featured music:1. Abbasuddin Ahmed - Zameen Firdaus Pakistan ki Hogi(Courtesy of Absar Ahmed)