Along the banks of the serene Gorai River, a narrow paved road winds past a vibrant garden where over a hundred children sit on tarpaulins, painting colorful images of rivers, autumn landscapes, forests, birds, and clouds drifting across the sky.
The garden, adorned with swings, fitness equipment, a library, a museum, and rare species of trees, is alive with the laughter and creativity of children. Some children play, while others read quietly.
This enchanting scene unfolded at the home of Nasir Uddin, known affectionately as Nasir Sir, in Koya village, Kumarkhali, on Friday morning.
Grade 6 student Nafiza shared her delight, “We celebrate every season here. I come here to draw pictures. I really enjoy it. This time, I painted a boat on a river during autumn, clouds in the sky, and Kashful flowers in a forest.”
Nestled between the Gorai and Padma rivers, Koya village is about 10 kilometers from the upazila town. At 75 years old, Nasir Uddin, a retired primary school teacher, has spent decades preserving rural life and ancient artifacts, transforming his 33-decimal garden into a haven for learning and play.
“I want to live among children. I want to create a paradise for them,” Nasir Uddin said.
Every Friday, his garden opens to children from surrounding areas. They read, play, explore, and learn about endangered plants, all while connecting with traditional culture through the museum and library.
In 2005, using his pension, Nasir Uddin established the Kulsum Nessa-Jalal Gandhi Children’s Park in memory of his parents.
Over the past 50 years, he has preserved nearly 200 varieties of fruit-bearing, forest, medicinal, and ornamental trees, each labeled for children to identify. Trees include forest jackfruit, latta, dhaper, amla, carom, guava, and many more. Most are medicinal, and anyone may take them as needed.
At the centre of the garden stands a small semi-pucca building housing a library and museum named after his mother. Nearby, a recently constructed building serves as a news archive.
The library contains over 500 books focused on children’s mental and physical development. The museum showcases artifacts from the Sen and Pal dynasties, British-era items like plates, betel nut grinders, lanterns, mortars, palanquins, postage stamps, and more.
The news archive features articles on children’s health, their writings, and discoveries from around the world.
Nasir Uddin explained that his inspiration for the museum came from the belongings of his grandmother and mother, including a betel nut grinder, pan strainer, and clay dolls. Since then, he has collected and preserved over a hundred artifacts from across the country, offering children a vivid glimpse into the past.
“The children’s minds are nourished here,” said Roshanara, , a housewife from Koya Mondolpara. “Nasir Sir organises drawing competitions for seasonal festivals, Pohela Boishakh, Nabanna, and fruit celebrations, allowing children to enjoy and learn at the same time.”
Ahsia Khatun, a Grade 6 student, added, “Though Nasir Sir is elderly, he behaves like a child. Anyone who loves trees, birds, and books is drawn to the garden. There is so much to learn here.”
Visitors also express admiration. Akash Ahmed, who brought his two children, says, “Nasir Sir is a humble man. People like him, who are enlightened, contribute greatly to the country’s well-being.”
Government officials have also recognised his efforts. Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) SM Mikael Islam said, “Last year, the government allocated Tk 3 lakh for the infrastructural development of this institution. Further initiatives will be taken in the future to enhance its facilities.”
In a small corner of Kushtia, Nasir Sir is building not just a garden, but a kingdom for children, where imagination, learning, and tradition grow together, one paintbrush, one fruit tree, and one smiling child at a time.
