Nurul Hoque - A Teacher Who Sows the Seeds of Light
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Nasrin Sultana: A Teacher Who Sows the Seeds of Light
By Nurul Hoque
In the tender heart of rural Bengal, where the morning dew glistens on blades of grass and the first sunlight kisses the fields, a little girl once wandered — innocent, curious, and full of wonder. Her name is Nasrin Sultana. She was born and raised in Pashchim Mithakhali, a serene village in Mathbaria Upazila of Pirojpur District. Her childhood unfolded amidst nature’s embrace—green paddy fields, whispering winds, and the melodious calls of birds. No one then could have imagined that this simple village girl would one day grow into one of Bangladesh’s most luminous educationists, writers, and child researchers.
Her journey in education began at Chhoto Mithakhali Government Primary School, where the earthy scent of the soil mingled with the joy of her learning. She later completed her primary education at Pashchim Mithakhali Government Primary School, and went on to finish her secondary studies at Baromathua United High Institution. She pursued higher secondary education at Barishal Government Women’s College, followed by a B.Sc. (Honours) and M.Sc. from Government BM College, Barishal. Yet, her thirst for knowledge did not end there. At every stage of life, she reshaped herself—earning a Certificate in Education from Sagar Dhi PTI, B.Ed. from Government Teachers’ Training College, Barishal, and M.Ed. from Bangladesh Open University—thus establishing herself as a truly complete teacher.
Nasrin came from a family that valued both knowledge and ethics. Her father, Md. Ismail Hawlader, a prominent cloth merchant in Baromathua Bazaar, was known not just for his business but for his honesty and diligence. Her mother was a noble woman—an embodiment of affection, patience, and wisdom—who became the source of Nasrin’s inner strength. Growing up among ten siblings, Nasrin learned the lessons of compassion, discipline, and mutual respect, which became the foundation of her worldview.
Born on 17 October 1972, Nasrin Sultana has demonstrated unwavering perseverance and moral conviction at every turn of her life. From an early age, she realized that the path to success is never easy. She never believed in unjust compromises. Perhaps that is why she set her sights on the Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) as her career goal. Twice she passed the written examinations of the General BCS but was not recruited—since at that time there was no system for appointing non-cadre candidates. Yet, this setback did not break her; it strengthened her resolve.
Finally, in 2005, at the age of nearly thirty-three, she joined government service, beginning a new chapter as a Head Teacher of a primary school. From that day to this, she has remained a devoted educator, spreading the light of knowledge and the seeds of humanity among her students.
She firmly believes that if a child receives love and appreciation, they can shine like a star in the universe of life. Hence, she often says, “In a child’s eyes glitters the sun of the future.” From this conviction was born her educational philosophy—her writing, her research, and her lifelong mission.
Her first book, Nisshimo Neelima (Infinite Blue Sky), was published in 2006, reflecting the deep resonances of human emotion and the sensitivity of the mind. Later came Ashru Naibedya (Offering of Tears)—a profoundly emotional novel that left a lasting mark on readers’ hearts. Her children’s storybook Bokar Golpo (The Fool’s Tale) delights, teaches, and makes one ponder the beauty of simplicity. Her fairy tale Neelpurir Raja O Rajkonna Ruptushi (The King and Princess Ruptushi of Neelpuri) won hearts across borders and was later translated into English as Ruptushi.
She went on to write the adolescent novel Adommo Durjoy (The Indomitable Durjoy), which has been preserved in the collections of the National Library and National Book Centre. Its English translation, Durjoy the Indomitable, continues to inspire young readers with stories of courage and honesty.
Nasrin Sultana’s literary contributions go far beyond fiction—she is also an accomplished playwright. Various branches of Bangladesh Betar (Bangladesh Radio) have broadcasted dramas based on her scripts. Her collection of ten plays, Chandrabindu, elevated her stature as a dramatist. Her stories, poems, rhymes, and essays are regularly published in national dailies and children’s magazines. Her work has been officially recognized by the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, NAPE, Bangla Academy, Bangladesh Shishu Academy, and the National Library.
However, her most remarkable achievement lies in her graded books for children—a series that includes Shokh, Shokher Shokh, Shokher Kaj, Shokher Asha, Shokher Protigga, Shokher Shafollo, Shokher Dadar Shadhinota Dibosh, Shopoth, Tushider Kahini, Amra Shobai Bondhu, and Porir Moto Mukh. Each of these books is like a seed of light planted in a child’s mind. Notably, Shokher Shokh and Shokher Kaj were published in Braille editions for visually impaired children—an extraordinary act of literary compassion.
But Nasrin Sultana does more than just write—she inspires children to write. She encourages her students to compose stories, poems, essays, and drawings, and then submits them to national newspapers. When the children see their names and work in print, their eyes sparkle with joy. She named this unique initiative “Little Celebrity”, with the beautiful motto “Every Child is a Star.” The children even sing a theme song dedicated to her initiative:
“Best wishes! Best wishes, our dear friend.
You are Little Celebrity. You are without end.”
Since completing her secondary education, Nasrin has lived in Barishal, where her life—through work, thought, and creativity—has become a beacon of dedication. She is not merely a teacher of children, but a guide who teaches them how to become good human beings. Her life is a story of inspiration—marked by devotion to education, brilliance in writing, and an endless flow of compassion.
Nasrin Sultana is a dream-weaver who believes that every child is a possibility, and within every mind lies a hidden sun. With her pen and her tender heart, she seeks to awaken that inner sun through the light of love, knowledge, and creativity.
She stands as a silent torchbearer, sowing seeds of wisdom in the fertile soil of young minds—and waiting patiently for the day when those seeds will bloom into flowers in the garden of humanity.
Prepared for publication Nurul Hoque
