The Name that never Fades – Rabindranath Tagore I Samriddha ,11, Kolkata

The Name that never Fades – Rabindranath Tagore

Whenever we talk about the word ‘Literature,’ the first name that comes to mind is the most renowned poet and writer of the globe; the one who resides in our hearts is none other than Kabiguru Rabindranath Tagore. His name is known to each and every citizen of the whole world because he contributed infinite writings, paintings, stories, novels, playwrights, songs, etc.

For a brief overview of Rabindranath Tagore, let’s explore his childhood, literary journey, and the awards he received. He was born on 7th May 1861 in the Jorasanka Thakurbari in Kolkata as the youngest child of Debendranath Tagore and Sarada Devi. Growing up, he pursued home schooling to learn and explore whatever he desired. At just 8 years old, his journey began with the first poem of his life, ‘Abhilas,’ which was published in the Tattavabodhini Patrika in 1874. He truly enjoyed what he did. In his endeavours, he created over 2,300 paintings and drawings, composing almost 2,300 songs, and producing over 50 volumes of writings. A multi-talented personality, he excelled as a poet, novelist, dramatist, essayist, story writer, composer, painter, philosopher, and social reformer. He often used the pen name Bhanusimha (Sun Lion).

Rabindranath Tagore’s notable works include Gitanjali (Song Offerings), Gora (Fair-faced), Ghare Baire (The Home and the World), etc. Two of his composed songs have been chosen as the national anthems of two countries: ‘Jana Gana Mana’ for India and ‘Amar Shonar Bangla’ for Bangladesh. Recognized for the beautiful and touching poetry of Gitanjali, he received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913. He was also awarded  an honorary Doctorate of Literature by Oxford University in 1940. During Tagore’s upbringing in British-India, he wrote several poems, stories, and songs protesting British rule. In 1915, the British honored him with Knighthood, but in protest of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre on April 13, 1919, where many of Tagore’s Indian compatriots were killed, he returned the Knighthood title—a significant protest.

For his wonderful, heart-touching, and mind-refreshing write-ups and other remarkable works, he was referred to by various names such as Gurudeb, Kabiguru, and Biswakabi. Kabiguru touched our hearts through the uniqueness and specialty of Rabindra Sangeet, which, though aged, remains as good as new.

But does time ever wait? It goes on to somewhere nobody knows. As the days passed, on 7th August 1941, Kavi Guru Rabindranath Tagore left his mere body and transitioned with the pure soul. Before departing, he elevated Bengal and its Bengali culture to unprecedented heights. The Royal Asiatic Society referred to him as ‘The Bard Of Bengal.’ Rabindranath Thakur, our pride and the pride of whole Bengal, made a significant contribution as a Bengali writer to our world. Through his works, he will always remain among us, in our hearts and minds. Whenever we hear Rabindra Sangeet or read his stories and poems, we will remember him.

Lastly, I would like to conclude with the most touching quote of Rabi Thakur: “If you cry because the sun has gone out of your life, your tears will prevent you from seeing the stars.”

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