26/12/2024
Today marks the 15th death anniversary of our dear father, Maestro Afzalur Rahman, a pioneer in North Indian classical music. Born in 1935 in Brahmanbaria (then British India, now Bangladesh), he lost his sight at the age of nine due to typhoid. Despite this, he became a master of the sarod and violin under the guidance of great teachers Ayet Ali Khan and Baba Allauddin Khan.
Maestro Afzalur Rahman was the first blind sarod player in the world and received many national and international awards for his incredible talent. He started performing on East Pakistan Radio (now Bangladesh Betar) in 1954 and became a regular artist on Bangladesh Television from December 25, 1964, until his death. As the head of the instrumental department at Allauddin Music College, he composed the raga Rubaboti and created many orchestras using classical ragas.
He also founded the Inner Eyes School of Classic Music, which had a special section to teach people with disabilities for free. His students continue his legacy worldwide, and his contributions to music remain unforgettable.
Maestro Afzalur Rahman passed away on December 26, 2009. He is still loved, missed, and remembered. “Those we love do not leave us; they walk beside us every day, unseen, unheard, yet always close.
AK Ashikur Rahman Ruba Tungtang Inner Eyes Family Orchestra Ashikur Rahman