Kalyani Kazi Biography
Kalyani Kazi was a renowned Indian singer known for her expertise in Nazrul Geeti – the songs composed by Kazi Nazrul Islam.
She was the youngest daughter-in-law of Kazi Nazrul Islam, married to his youngest son, Kazi Aniruddha.
The couple had two sons and a daughter, Anindita Kazi, who lives in the United States.
Kalyani was a member of the advisory council of the Paschimbanga Kazi Nazrul Islam Akademi.
In 2015, she was honored with the Sangeet Mahasamman Award by the Government of West Bengal for her contribution to music.
She passed away on May 12, 2023, at the age of 87, in Kolkata, due to leukemia and renal complications.
Her death was publicly mourned by leaders such as West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Kalyani Kazi is remembered for her lifelong dedication to preserving and popularizing Nazrul Geeti.
Wikipedia
- Full Name: Kalyani Kazi
- Known For: Nazrul Geeti (Songs of Kazi Nazrul Islam)
- Nationality: Indian
- Relation: Daughter-in-law of Kazi Nazrul Islam
- Spouse: Kazi Aniruddha (youngest son of Nazrul)
- Children: 2 sons and 1 daughter (Anindita Kazi)
- Profession: Singer, Cultural Ambassador
- Award: Sangeet Mahasamman (2015, by West Bengal Government)
- Affiliation: Paschimbanga Kazi Nazrul Islam Akademi (Advisory Council Member)
- Death: May 12, 2023 (Age 87)
- Cause of Death: Leukemia and renal complications
- Legacy: Promoted and preserved Nazrul’s music across generations
Kalyani Kazi Early Life and Education
Kalyani Kazi was raised in America after being born in India. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign before going on to Stanford University for her Master’s in Electrical Engineering.
Kalyani Kazi Career
At Intel, Kalyani Kazi started out as a software engineer. Later, she held positions at Cisco and VMware before founding her own business.
Kalyani observed that many immigrants and refugees were having trouble finding work because of linguistic hurdles and a lack of access to job prospects when working at these companies.
Kalyani established TALiNTS, an online network that links immigrants and refugees with employment opportunities, in 2015.
To help refugees and immigrants succeed in the workforce, the platform offers employment training, language assistance, and other resources.
With the help of TALiNTS, career prospects for refugees and immigrants have been successfully connected.
The business collaborates with groups like the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the International Rescue Committee.
In order to improve the quality of life for themselves and their families, TALiNTS has assisted thousands of refugees and immigrants in finding jobs.
Kalyani Kazi Honors and Awards
Awarded for her work with TALiNTS is Kalyani Kazi. In 2018, Forbes recognized her as one of the 30 Under 30 Social Entrepreneurs. The International Rescue Committee bestowed the Refugee Champion Award on Kalyani in 2020.
Kalyani is on the board of the United Nations Association of the United States of America in addition to her work with TALiNTS.
Kalyani Kazi Personal Life
A daughter who resides in the US, two sons, and Kazi, the widow of Kazi Aniruddha, the younger son of Kazi Nazrul Islam, are still alive.
Legacy of Kalyani Kazi
1. Preserver of Nazrul Geeti: Kalyani Kazi played a pivotal role in preserving and promoting the songs of Kazi Nazrul Islam, ensuring they remained relevant for new generations.
2. Cultural Ambassador: She served as a bridge between India and Bangladesh, two nations that deeply revere Nazrul, and was respected in both for her dedication to his music.
3. Mentor to Many: Through performances, mentorship, and institutional work, she inspired and guided young artists in the Nazrul Geeti tradition.
4. Recognition by State: Honored with the Sangeet Mahasamman (2015) by the West Bengal Government, recognizing her lifelong commitment to Bengali music.
5. Institutional Impact: As a member of the Paschimbanga Kazi Nazrul Islam Akademi advisory council, she helped shape policies and programs to promote Nazrul’s work.
6. Voice of Devotion and Heritage: Her singing style became a standard reference for authentic Nazrul Geeti renditions, setting benchmarks for purity and emotion in performance.
7. Lasting Influence: Even after her passing on May 12, 2023, Kalyani Kazi remains a symbol of cultural dedication, and her recordings are cherished as musical treasures.
FAQs
1: Who was Kalyani Kazi?
Kalyani Kazi was a renowned Indian singer best known for performing Nazrul Geeti, the songs composed by the legendary poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, who was also her father-in-law.
2: What was her connection to Kazi Nazrul Islam?
She was married to Kazi Aniruddha, the youngest son of Kazi Nazrul Islam, making her the youngest daughter-in-law of the poet.
3: What genre of music did she specialize in?
She specialized in Nazrul Geeti, a genre that blends classical, devotional, and patriotic elements, rooted in Bengali music tradition.
4: What was her contribution to Indian music?
Kalyani Kazi played a major role in preserving and promoting Nazrul Geeti, performing widely and teaching younger generations.
5: Did she receive any awards?
Yes, in 2015, she was awarded the Sangeet Mahasamman by the West Bengal Government for her musical excellence.
6: Was she part of any cultural organizations?
Yes, she was a member of the advisory council of the Paschimbanga Kazi Nazrul Islam Akademi.
7: When did she pass away, and what was the cause?
She died on May 12, 2023, at the age of 87, due to leukemia and renal failure.
8: How is she remembered today?
Kalyani Kazi is remembered as a torchbearer of Nazrul’s musical heritage, and her contributions continue to influence Nazrul Geeti performers across India and Bangladesh.
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Conclusion
Kalyani Kazi’s transformation from an engineer to the creator of a social enterprise is motivating. Her commitment to making it easier for immigrants and refugees to find work has had a profound effect on many people’s lives.
Through TALiNTS, Kalyani has helped those in need by offering them resources, employment opportunities, and training. Her work serves as a reminder of the influence that business may have for good on society.
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