On 9th May 2022, the Indian Prime Minister honored Rabindranath Tagore on his birth anniversary. This day, known as Tagore Jayanti, is celebrated according to the Bengali calendar on the 25th day of the Boishakh month. Rabindranath Tagore, a revered figure, known fondly by various appellations such as ‘Gurudev’, ‘Kabiguru’, and ‘Biswakabi’, has left an indelible mark on India’s cultural, literary, and intellectual landscape.
Early Life and Achievements
Born on 7th May 1861 in Calcutta, Rabindranath Tagore was a polymath who revolutionized the realm of literature and music in his region. He earned acclaim for his expansive creativity and prowess as a Bengali poet, novelist, and painter. His influence stretched beyond the borders of India, introducing the richness of Indian culture to the West. Tagore also had a close relationship with Mahatma Gandhi and reportedly bestowed upon him the title of ‘Mahatma’. Throughout his life, Tagore emphasized the importance of national unity amidst diversity, even addressing this topic at the World Parliament for Religions in 1929 and 1937.
Contributions to Literature and Music
Tagore’s musical leanings led him to compose more than 2000 songs, collectively known as ‘Rabindra Sangeet’. His unique lyrical and fluid style in his music mirrored his ability to modernize Bengali prose and poetry. Renowned works by Tagore include Gitanjali, Ghare-Baire, Gora, Manasi, Balaka, and Sonar Tori, among others. At the age of just 16, he published his first poems under the pen name ‘Bhanusimha’.
Aside from his literary prowess, Tagore also made historic contributions in the form of national anthems for India and Bangladesh. His teachings inspired a Ceylonese student to compose the national anthem of Sri Lanka.
Philosophical and Educational Endeavors
Beyond his artistic exploits, Tagore was a philosopher and a committed educationist. In 1921, he founded the Vishwa-Bharati University, an innovative institution that aimed to challenge conventional education models and foster creative and critical thinking among students.
Awards and Recognition
Tagore’s remarkable body of work earned him numerous accolades, including the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913. He was the first non-European laureate of this prestigious award. In 1915, the British King George V knighted Tagore. However, Tagore renounced his Knighthood following the Jallianwalla Bagh Massacre in 1919.
Death and Legacy
Rabindranath Tagore passed away on 7th August 1941 in Calcutta. His legacy, however, lives on through his profound quotes and the significant impact of his work. Famous quotes by Tagore include pearls of wisdom such as, “You can’t cross the sea merely by standing and staring at the sea,” and “Don’t limit the child to your own learning, for he was born in another time.”
The National Anthem Translation
Interestingly, Rabindranath Tagore was instrumental in translating the National Anthem from Bengali to English. This idea came to him during a visit to the Besant Theosophical College upon the invitation of Irish poet James H. Cousins. The translation occurred in Madanapalle, a small town in Andhra Pradesh’s Chittoor district. The song ‘Jana Gana Mana’ was officially recognized as India’s National Anthem by the Constituent Assembly of India on 24th January 1950.