Rabindranath Tagore: A Luminary of Art, Literature, Education, and Humanity

Today, on August 7, we commemorate the death anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore, Nobel Laureate, a multi-talented genius and founder of Santiniketan, whose contributions to literature, music, and art continue to resonate across generations. 

Tagore in London

Born on May 7, 1861, in Calcutta, British India, Tagore was not just a poet and writer but a philosopher, educator, and social reformer. He was the youngest son of Debendranath Tagore, a leader of the Brahmo Samaj, a religious and social movement that sought to reform Hinduism. Tagore’s diverse and extensive body of work earned him the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913, making him the first non-European to receive this prestigious honour. While conferring the award, the committee said he was selected for it “because of his profoundly sensitive fresh and beautiful verse, by which, with consummate skill, he has made his poetic thought, expressed in his own English words, apart of the literature of the West.”

Tagore’s literary journey began early; he started writing poetry at the age of eight and published his first collection under the pen name Bhanu Singha Thakur (Bhonita) by the time he was sixteen. His early works were deeply influenced by the classical poetry of Kalidasa, and he soon established himself as a significant figure in the Bengal Renaissance. His poems, short stories, songs, plays, and essays are cherished not only in West Bengal but across India and the world. His major works, including Gitanjali, Gora, Ghare Baire, and Shesher Kobita, explore themes of humanism, spirituality, and the beauty of nature.

Tagore’s contributions were not limited to literature. He was a visionary who deeply believed in the transformative power of education. In 1901, he established an experimental school at Santiniketan, which later evolved into Visva-Bharati University. The school was founded on the principles of the traditional Guru-Shishya method, emphasising an intimate, nature-inspired environment where learning could flourish organically. Tagore believed that education should not be merely about imparting information but about nurturing creativity and a harmonious relationship with the world. His approach encouraged students to explore their own interests and passions, fostering a love for learning that went beyond textbooks.

Santiniketan 

Rabindranath Tagore envisioned Santiniketan as a solace and a sanctuary of learning, deeply rooted in humanity, diversity, and a firm stand against bigotry. He aimed to create an educational environment where students could connect with nature, fostering a love and respect for the natural world. Santiniketan’s innovative model emphasized holistic education, blending academic rigor with artistic and spiritual development. This pioneering approach made it the first of its kind in India, promoting an inclusive and enlightened form of education that valued creativity and universal human values. Even today, it remains a major intellectual space, with luminaries like Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen, Nirmala Patwardhan, Satyajit Ray, K.G. Subramanyan, and A. Ramachandran among its distinguished alumni. 

Tagore’s philosophy of education was a reflection of his broader worldview. He envisioned a world where cultural exchange and mutual respect were paramount. His idea of universal humanism was ahead of its time, advocating for a society where diversity was celebrated and empathy was a guiding principle. He often critiqued the rigid structures of traditional education, and instead promoted a model that recognised the inherent curiosity and creativity of children. He believed that true education was about awakening a sense of wonder and possibility, as captured in his words, “Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.”

Tagore with Mahatma Gandhi 

At Santiniketan Mahatma Gandhi used to visit Taogre and they had a profound mutual respect for each other despite their difference on many fronts. At one point, when his health was ailing, Tagore even wanted Gandhiji to lead Santiniketan. Their respect for each other is evident in their heartfelt exchanges. Gandhi once wrote to Tagore, “I want to know your disagreement because you are like a tough stone” to which Tagore responded, “Keep you on the head with the hammer, if you think I am wrong that blow will never diminish the respect I have for you.” Tagore, who first called Gandhi a “Mahatma”, praised him by saying, “At Gandhiji's call, India blossomed forth to new greatness, just as once before, in earlier times, when Buddha proclaimed the truth.” In return, Gandhi honoured Tagore by calling him the “Great Sentinel”, stating, “I regard the Poet as a sentinel warning us against the approach of enemies called Bigotry, Lethargy, Intolerance, Ignorance, Inertia, and other members of that brood.” This exchange encapsulates their deep admiration for one another, even amid philosophical divergences.

 Tagore with Albert Einstein  

Likewise, on July 14, 1930, Albert Einstein welcomed Rabindranath Tagore into his home on the outskirts of Berlin. Their conversation touched on profound subjects, exploring the nature of reality, the relationship between science and spirituality, and the fundamental concepts of truth and beauty. Tagore’s perspective, deeply rooted in Eastern philosophy, emphasized the interconnectedness of all existence, while Einstein’s scientific viewpoint focused on the objective nature of reality. Despite their differing perspectives, both men expressed mutual respect and curiosity, resulting in a dialogue that remains significant in the history of intellectual discourse.

While being a great writer and visionary, Tagore was also a prolific composer, and wrote more than 2,000 songs, known as Rabindra Sangeet, which continue to be a cornerstone of Bengali culture. His compositions, deeply philosophical and lyrical, reflect his spiritual beliefs and love for nature. He also penned the national anthems of India, ‘Jana Gana Mana’, and Bangladesh, ‘Amar Shonar Bangla’, which are testaments to his enduring legacy in the cultural fabric of South Asia.

Tagore with his wife Mrinalini Devi

Despite his achievements, Tagore experienced profound personal losses. He endured the deaths of his wife, Mrinalini Devi, and two of his children, which left him deeply affected. Yet, he channelled his grief into his art, producing some of his most poignant and introspective works during these periods. His ability to find beauty and meaning in sorrow is a testament to his resilience and spiritual depth.

Tagore’s contributions extended to social reform. He was a champion of women’s rights, critiquing societal norms that confined women to the domestic sphere. His stories often featured strong, independent women who defied conventional expectations. He was also a critic of nationalism in its aggressive and exclusionary forms, advocating instead for a compassionate patriotism rooted in universal human values.

As we mark Tagore’s death anniversary, we also remember a life dedicated to the pursuit of beauty, truth, and justice. His works remain relevant, offering insights into the complexities of human existence and the quest for a more compassionate world. In his poetic and philosophical musings, Tagore leaves us with a timeless legacy: an invitation to see the world through a lens of empathy, to embrace the diverse expressions of life, and to seek harmony in all aspects of existence.