Today, on August 7th, 2023, we celebrate Rabindranath Tagore, one of our country's greatest thinkers, on his death anniversary. He was a multidimensional individual who made contributions to literature, arts, philosophy, and politics, making him a priceless gift to India's culture and history.

Brief:

Rabindranath Tagore was born in 1861 in Calcutta to a family of wealthy landlords. Tagore's family was deeply involved in the Indian Renaissance movement and actively worked towards the revival of Indian art, culture, and spirituality.

As a Freedom Fighter

Tagore's contributions as a freedom fighter were also significant. He was a vocal critic of British rule in India and actively worked towards Indian independence. Tagore's political views were reflected in his writings, which were often imbued with social and political commentary. In recognition of his contributions, Tagore was offered a knighthood by the British for his efforts towards the Indian independence movement but he subsequently declined the honour as a protest against the British Raj and the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. He returned the honour in protest against the British government's inhumane actions against Indian protesters.

As a Scholar:

Tagore's work as a scholar and philosopher has been widely admired. He was a visionary thinker who questioned the traditional ideas of religion, caste, and gender. His ideas were often way ahead of his time and continue to inspire generations to come. He founded Visva-Bharati University in Santiniketan, which combined academic studies with rural reconstruction and emphasized the importance of education in promoting social change and betterment.

Tagore was not only a poet but also a proficient painter and songwriter. He created more than 2,000 paintings, most of which were influenced by Indian folk art and themes. He also composed over 2,000 songs, known as Rabindra Sangeet, which are still beloved in India and Bangladesh.

He was also a polyglot. Tagore had a gift for languages and was fluent in several languages including Bengali, Hindi, English, and Sanskrit. He also had good knowledge of German, French, and Spanish.

His works:

Tagore's literary works have also left an indelible mark on Indian literature. He was the first Indian and non-European to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913. Tagore became the first person of Asian descent to win the Nobel Prize in Literature for his collection of poems called Gitanjali. The book was published in English translation in 1912 and contained 103 poems. His literary works are an amalgamation of Western and Indian literature, philosophy, and spirituality. His poems, plays, and novels explore human relationships, nature, and spiritualism. The national anthem of India, 'Jana Gana Mana' is associated with Tagore, as he authored the origin in 1911.

His legacy:

Tagore's legacy continues to inspire people worldwide. His vision of a united world based on mutual respect, empathy, and understanding is as relevant today as it was during his lifetime. His teachings encourage cultural exchange and dialogue between nations. His music, literature, and art continue to touch the hearts of people worldwide.

He was a staunch advocate of women's rights; Tagore was a feminist and a firm believer in gender equality. He strongly campaigned for women’s rights and wrote several works highlighting the importance of equal rights and opportunities for women.

Finally, some of the most inspiring quotes of Rabindranath Tagore:

- "The highest education is that which does not merely give us information but makes our life in harmony with all existence."

- "We read the world wrong and say that it deceives us."

- "The truth comes as conqueror only because we have lost the art of receiving it as a guest."

- "Love does not claim possession but gives freedom."

-"It is very simple to be happy, but it is very difficult to be simple."

As we commemorate him today, let us be inspired by his life and legacy and attempt to make the world a better place.