Remembering Rabindranath Tagore — Birth Anniversary

India, a land of sharp minds, orators, scientists, sportspersons, activists and many more, has produced thousands of personalities who have added to the pride and glory of the country. Personnel like Mahatma Gandhi, Bhagat Singh, Munsi Premchandra, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Ramanujam, and Swami Vivekanand have contributed to the freedom, growth, social structure, spirituality and social structure of the country.

On May 7, 1861, one such polymath of India was born: Rabindranath Tagore. He was a prominent figure in changing the socio-political dynamics of India during British rule. If we talk about his field of expertise, he was a notable writer, poet, playwright, composer, philosopher, social reformer and painter. In this article, we will discuss major events and contributions by Rabindranath Tagore.

What was Rabindranath Tagore's family life like as a child?

Rabindranath Tagore was the youngest son of Debendranath Tagore and Sarada Devi among thirteen children. His family was very affluent during the Renaissance of Bengal. There was ongoing hosting of festivity, poets, theatres and musicians in the house of Rabindranath Tagore. After the death of his mother, he was primarily raised by servants of the house while his father was always travelling or busy with his work. He used to live in the Jorasanko mansion in Calcutta. He was not fond of studies or anything related to subjects, but his brother trained him in physical activity. After his college, he went on a tour of India with his father. On this tour to India, he found out and got in touch with the writing of Kalidas and other scholar and religions.

What is the significance of Rabindranath Tagore's contribution to Bengali literature?

A scholar, a poet, a writer, and a humanitarian, Tagore’s greatness can not be bound by words, but here are some of his achievements to understand. He created an impressive body of work throughout his lifetime, significantly impacting Indian literature and culture. Some of his major works include:

Gitanjali was written by Rabindra Nath Tagore, a collection of poems that earned Tagore the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913. In Novel Ghare-Baire (The Home and the World), Rabindra Nath Tagore wrote about the Indian independence movement exploring themes of nationalism, modernity, and tradition.The Home and the World novel is set during the Indian independence movement and explores the theme of nationalism, modernity, and tradition.Chokher Bali by Rabindranath Tagore talks about the lives of four individuals in early 20th-century Bengal.Shesher Kobita, a novel by Rabindra Nath Tagore, talks about the love affair between two intellectuals, exploring themes of love, identity, and self-discovery.In 1911, Jana Gana Mana was written by Rabindra Nath Tagore, which is Indian National Anthem.Tagore was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913 for his collection of poems, Gitanjali.In 1915, Tagore was awarded a knighthood by the British government, which he later renounced in 1919 in protest against the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.In 1921, Tagore founded Visva-Bharati University in Santiniketan, West Bengal, which became an important centre for art and education.Tagore played a significant role in the Bengali Renaissance, a cultural and intellectual movement in Bengal in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.Tagore composed over 2,000 songs, known as Rabindra Sangeet and an integral part of Bengali culture.Tagore was also an accomplished painter; his works have been exhibited in galleries worldwide. Tagore's contributions to literature, music, education, and culture have made him one of India's most revered and celebrated figures. Tagore began writing poetry at a young age and went on to publish numerous collections of poems, plays, and novels in Bengali and English.

Tagore's work was deeply influenced by his upbringing and experiences living through significant political and social changes in India. He was a crucial figure in the Bengali Renaissance, advocating for Indian nationalism and independence. Tagore was a prolific artist who also composed music and created visual art. He founded Visva-Bharati University in Santiniketan, which became a centre for art and education. Tagore was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913, becoming the first Asian to receive the award. Tagore passed away in 1941 at 80, but his legacy as a cultural icon and intellectual continues to endure. Tagore's contributions to Indian literature, music, and culture have impacted the country and the world. His poetry and songs continue to be celebrated, and his philosophy of education and art is still influential today.