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2013 is an important celebration for the man regarded by many as the greatest writer in modern Indian literature. 100 years ago Rabindranath Tagore became the first non-European to win the Nobel Prize in Literature. He was an accomplished artist, environmentalist, rural reconstructionist, political thinker and philosopher; as an educationist he founded the International University, Visva-Bharati. His compositions were chosen by two nations as national anthems; the Republic of India's Jana Gana Mana and Bangladesh's Amar Shonar Bangla; he even established a new dance form called Rabindra Nritya. English Translation…? Beguiles my mind the earthly road Beyond the village it does spread I know not for whom my mind thrusts With arms languishing in those dusts Pulling at my feet the road drags me out To an obscure end I know nothing about In which turning in the road Will I find the mother lode? Where some new person I will befriend I can't fathom where it will end Dear Shaded Viewers, Here are a few quotes from Rabindranath Tagore that I particularly like and thought that you might appreciate too: "If you cry because the sun has gone out of your life, your tears will prevent you from seeing the stars." "Let us not pray to be sheltered from dangers but to be fearless when facing them." "Depth of friendship does not depend on length of acquaintance." "He who is too busy doing good has no time to be good." "Facts are many but the truth is one." "Love is the only reality and it is not a mere sentiment. It is the ultimate truth that lies at the heart of creation." That is enough for today. Later, Diane |
