As I grew up, I started to learn Kathak (I have no idea why) but before I could be promoted to my first year of Kathak course, I had to learn and pass an examination on Rabindrasangeet. And since then, I've listened to Rabindrasangeet on a regular basis.
By the time I realized that Kathak wasn't really my jam, I had already passed all the certificate examinations. I realized pretty late that I loved singing more than any other performing art form.
Singing runs in my blood. My mother is a wonderful singer and so, my introduction to Rabindrasangeet singing was because of her. I used to sit with her and listen to her singing for hours and then one day, I started singing along with her. We haven't looked back ever since. It has become kind of a routine for us now. Even though I don't live in Durgapur anymore, I make sure to sit and sing with her whenever I come back home for vacations.
As for literature, I'm guilty of not reading Tagore's works in Bengali. Before you start judging me, I'd like to inform you that Tagore's Bengali language is the toughest that you can find. Hence, English translations have always been my go-to.
So yeah, Tagore is in me; Tagore is around me. I can't count the number of books my mother and I have collected and read. We love Tagore and I doubt there would be anyone (regardless of their community and religion) who'd not love him because of his contributions.
The interesting thing about Tagore is the fact that his contributions aren't limited to the field of literature and art. He was a poet, philosopher, freedom fighter and an educator. Hence, I find Tagore in everything.
There's a famous verse by an anonymous writer that I came across and I can't help but mention it here:
প্রেমে রবীন্দ্রনাথ,
অপ্রেমে রবীন্দ্রনাথ।
বন্ধুত্বে রবীন্দ্রনাথ,
একাকিত্বে রবীন্দ্রনাথ।
সুখে রবীন্দ্রনাথ,
অসুখে রবীন্দ্রনাথ।
আলোয় রবীন্দ্রনাথ,
অন্ধকারে রবীন্দ্রনাথ।
আন্দোলনে রবীন্দ্রনাথ,
বিপ্লবে রবীন্দ্রনাথ।
ব্যক্তিগত - রবীন্দ্রনাথ,
সামাজিক - রবীন্দ্রনাথ।
দেশপ্রমে রবীন্দ্রনাথ,
বিশ্বপ্রেমে রবীন্দ্রনাথ।
স্বদেশ ইতিহাসে - রবীন্দ্রনাথ,
বিশ্ব ইতিাসে - রবীন্দ্রনাথ।
সমাজ চিন্তায় রবীন্দ্রনাথ,
দর্শনে রবীন্দ্রনাথ।
নগর জীবনের শূন্যতায় বা পূর্ণতায় - রবীন্দ্রনাথ,
পল্লী জীবনের আনন্দে রবীন্দ্রনাথ।
অন্য কে আপন করে নেওয়ার শিক্ষা - সেটাও রবীন্দ্রনাথ।
অভিজিৎ - সেও রবীন্দ্রনাথ।
নিখিলেশ - রবীন্দ্রনাথ,
বিমলা - রবীন্দ্রনাথ।
সন্দ্বীপ - সেও রবীন্দ্রনাথ।।
The lines have been so beautifully penned down and the meaning is even more beautiful. For people who can't read Bengali, here's a translation:
You'll find Rabindranath in love,
You'll find Rabindranath when there's a lack of it.
You'll find Rabindranath in friendship,
You'll find him in your solitude.
You'll find Rabindranath in happiness,
You'll find Rabindranath in sadness.
You'll find Rabindranath in light
and in darkness. You'll find Rabindranath in protests,
and in revolution.
You'll find Rabindranath to be personal
and to be societal.
You'll find Rabindranath in patriotism,
You'll find Rabindranath in universal love.
You'll find Rabindranath in Indian History,
and find him in World history.
You'll find Rabindranath when you think about society,
and when you think about philosophy.
You'll find Rabindranath in the in the emptiness or fullness of city life,
and you find him in the joy of rural life.
You'll find Rabindranath while trying to learn to embrace others.
Abhijeet - He is also Rabindranath's creation.
Nikhilesh too,
Bimala too,
Swandip too.
The poem highlights Tagore's profound connection to the full spectrum of human experience, from the depths of love and solitude to the grandeur of social and political movements. From the positive to the negative aspects of life. This duality reflects Tagore's ability to empathize with the entire spectrum of human emotions, a hallmark of his literary genius.
He is found in the light of progress and the darkness of struggle, in the pursuit of individual fulfillment and the collective well-being of society. Tagore's multifaceted personality shines through, revealing his deep engagement with both personal and societal issues. His ability to connect with the human experience on such a profound level has made him a beacon of inspiration for generations, and his works continue to resonate with readers worldwide.
As for me, I will forever be enamored with his words, whether be it in a book or in a song. Rabindranath is my whole existence.
That would be the end of my thoughts on the great man who is 159 years old today but remains forever young in the hearts of the people who love him.
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