Kabir Chowdhury (b. 1923) is a distinguished academic, a National Professor of Bangladesh, and a highly acclaimed essayist, translator and civil society leader. For his contribution in the fields of education, literature and peace he has received many national and international awards. He is a prolific translator and a writer on diverse subjects, including painting and sculpture of the West. His published works now number about two hundred. At the age of 86, he is as active as ever.