Dr. Neyamat Ullah Bhuiyan’s “Ekhane sokal hoy rat phohayna” (Where Daylight Dawns and Darkness Stays) is a distinctive work of poetic philosophy, forged through a fusion of profound existential reflection, spiritual depth, and real-life experience.
Dr. Neyamat Ullah Bhuiyan’s ‘Ekhane sokal hoy rat phohayna “(Where Daylight Dawns and Darkness Stays”) that is Here, Dawn Breaks but Morning Never Comes.This is not merely a collection of poems—it is a resonant voice of an era, a metamorphosis of a unique worldview. Each poem in this anthology gently leads the reader into a deeper introspection, probing the recesses of society, human consciousness, and existential anxieties. With subtle yet accessible linguistic artistry, the poet paints the curves of life’s emotions, dilemmas, and awakenings.
This is a work of philosophical poetry where the vast interplay of light and shadow in life finds form in the language of verse. The poet explores dichotomies such as truth and illusion, love and separation, loneliness and hope, struggle and self-realization, expression and surrender, trust and betrayal, joy and sorrow—with a coherence that is both astonishing and intimate.
His poems are not just to be felt—they are to be understood. Through each word, rhythm, and image, Dr. Bhuiyan crafts a singular philosophy rarely encountered in contemporary Bengali literature. For the reader, this collection becomes an immersive experience—where romance, realism, and soulful conversations merge.
Calling Dr. Neyamat Ullah a “Chintamoni” (a philosopher-gem of our time) is no mere flattery; it is a genuine acknowledgment of his intellectual and literary journey. His quest lies in the deepest chamber of the human soul, where questions are simple, answers elusive, and belief is a meditative aspiration.
Spanning 311 pages, this book opens a magical threshold for the reader—where the shadows of poetry reflect human faces, societal mirrors, and the tension between the individual and the collective existence.
Thematic Breadth and Organization
This anthology articulates themes of love, society, politics, self-realization, spirituality, divinity, and temporality in a voice that is unmistakably the poet’s own. Each poem title itself—”Manush (Human),” “Without Love,” “The Shame of Conscience,” “Self-Realization,” “When Mother’s Tears Turn into Weapons,” “The Weight of Seven Skies,” “The Victory of Life,” “Nostalgia,” “A Song to Mend the Rift,” “Your Laughter and Tears”—is a glimmer of narrative and consciousness.
Poetic Craft and Style
Beneath the poet’s apparent simplicity lies a profound depth that draws the reader in from the very first encounter. There is a musicality in his diction, a purity in rhythm, that captivates. This is poetry for those who seek life between words—for whom poetry is not mere sentiment, but a report from the soul.
Selected Excerpts and Analysis
“Simple Questions” (Page 18)
“Why do people die?”
“Can anyone answer simply?”
“Life’s complex equations…”
“Each but a reflection of a simple question.”
Here, the poet presents the eternal inquiries of human existence with profound simplicity. The phrase “Simple Questions” is not just poetic—it is philosophical. While the world piles mountains of explanation, the poet seeks clarity, vulnerability, and surrender in the face of truth.
This pursuit of simplicity resonates with the Baul tradition of humanistic introspection. The focus is not on the answer, but on the consciousness behind the question—a path to self-inquiry.
From “Manush (Human)” – Page 4
“I believe man is not evil…”
“Within each heart glows a light…”
“Which still burns, even in darkness.”
Here, the poet expresses unwavering faith in humanity. Despite chaos and moral decay, he believes in the essential light within—the moral compass that survives hardship and misdirection.
From “Manifesto of Love” – Page 7
“Some say love is fragrance…”
“Some say it is only pain…”
“But does love have no manifesto?”
The poet challenges the subjective, fragmented perceptions of love. He does not seek a rigid definition but affirms love as a personal, philosophical exploration—ever fluid, ever intimate.
From “Strange Darkness” – Page 11
“People sleep on the streets…”
“While cruel kings stay awake in palaces.”
In these lines, a glaring contrast is drawn between the oppressed and the indifferent powerful. The “cruel king” symbolizes an inhuman society that thrives on injustice, ignoring the plight of the voiceless.
From “No More Tales of Kings and Queens” – Page 14
“Sokhina died in flames of kerosene…”
“She hadn’t eaten in days—yet no one knew.”
A heart-wrenching portrayal of social apathy, this poem unearths the brutal realities of poverty and societal neglect. Her starvation symbolizes not just physical deprivation but emotional abandonment.
From the Title Poem – Page 17
“Spring means cheap dresses for them…”
“But for us, spring brings fear of losing jobs.”
Here, the poet portrays seasonal joy as a class-divided experience. While the privileged celebrate spring, the working class braces for economic uncertainty. This contrast becomes a poignant critique of structural inequality.
To comprehend the uniqueness of his philosophical outlook, one may explore several key dimensions:
1. The Quest for Life and Truth
At its core, this book delves into the human pursuit of self and the enigma of existence. The poet envisions life as a mysterious journey in perpetual search of truth.
Distinctiveness:
Unlike the pessimism found in Western existentialism—represented by philosophers like Jean-Paul Sartre or Martin Heidegger—Bhuiyan offers a path toward illumination through introspection and spiritual awakening.
2. Spirituality and Sufi Consciousness
One of the hallmarks of Dr. Bhuiyan’s thought is his deep Sufi orientation. He contemplates self-inquiry, purification of the soul, and the human connection with the Divine.
Distinctiveness:
Though resonating with Rumi, Hafiz, and Allama Iqbal, Chintamani introduces a unique synthesis of spirituality between the individual and society—a perspective that lends it originality.
3. Ethics and Social Consciousness
This book is not limited to personal introspection; it underscores ethical responsibility and the individual’s role in society.
Distinctiveness:
While echoing Kazi Nazrul Islam’s rebellious spirit and Rabindranath Tagore’s humanism, Bhuiyan brings a rare interpretation of the reciprocal relationship between the self and the collective.
4. Nature and Aesthetic Consciousness
For Bhuiyan, nature is not merely a symbol of beauty but a medium of spiritual power and philosophical realization.
Distinctiveness:
Though reminiscent of Wordsworth, nature here emerges as a spiritual teacher, forging a rare east-west poetic bridge.
5. Time, Death, and the Idea of Rebirth
The concepts of time and mortality are explored as pathways to spiritual renaissance. The book dialogues with diverse traditions.
Distinctiveness:
Bhuiyan interweaves Hindu rebirth, Islamic afterlife, and Buddhist nirvana—creating a metaphysical mosaic not often seen together.
The Poet’s Distinct Philosophy and Vision: Dr. Bhuiyan’s poetry forms a unique tapestry of life, society, love, spirituality, and resistance. His work reflects profound human experience, empowered language, and philosophical insight. At its heart lies a harmony of compassion and realism, hope and existential wisdom.
1. Humanism and Existential Insight
Bhuiyan portrays both the complexity and beauty of life, illuminating the sorrows of the individual and the realities of the social sphere.His realism is at times merciless, yet always pierced with the light of hope. He does not oversimplify life, but reveals its multiple layers and internal conflicts.
Love and the Romanticism of Nature
Love in Bhuiyan’s poetry transcends emotion—it becomes a metaphor for self-realization. Nature and love entwine to form a philosophical romanticism. Love is elevated beyond human relation to a union with the eternal; nature becomes a mirror of inner awakening.
. Social and Political Consciousness
Bhuiyan’s poetry raises a powerful voice against injustice, oppression, and inequality—yet his protest is deeply analytical. Beyond anger, he offers direction. His poetic language is a fusion of sensitivity and reason.
Spirituality and Self-Discovery
Spirituality is a vital axis in his poetry—not from a rigid theological stance, but from an inner awakening.Blending mysticism and philosophy, he reimagines the Divine outside of traditional bounds, emphasizing the journey to self-knowledge.
Conclusion:
Dr. Neyamat Ullah Bhuiyan’s “Where Daylight Dawns and Darkness Stays”
book is a profound blend of love, protest, spiritual searching, and life-philosophy. His language is simple, yet his thoughts are deep. While his themes may echo great poets and thinkers, his approach, symbolism, and voice render him distinct. He creates a poetic discourse that fuses romanticism, realism, protest, and introspection—worthy of global literary reflection.
In reflecting upon this book, I am reminded of a cherished line by my late father, the valiant freedom fighter and poet M. A. Rouf: “Poets speak the truths of the human heart.”
Indeed, Dr. Bhuiyan is a true servant of humanity. Despite the confines of a professional life, he has used his poetic insight to deeply feel the sorrows and longings of others. His poems, essays, and speeches all resonate with the rhythm of that soulful engagement.
Author: Professor Dr Dipu Siddiqui Dean Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Royal University of Dhaka.