Exploring the Boundless Library of Rabindranath
I had various opportunities to visit libraries in several countries around the globe. I have made multiple visits to the British Library. The American Library of Congress is the "largest library in the world", as recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records. However, the British Library is the "largest library in the world" based on the sheer volume of books it possesses. I have visited the Russian State Library, previously referred to as the Lenin Library, numerous times during my study in Moscow during the USSR. Sometimes, I spent the whole day at the library. I attempted to locate the specific book by perusing the catalogue on the bookshelves. This library is the most extensive in Russia, the second largest in Europe, and is renowned as one of the finest libraries globally. The library was Founded in 1862. Exploring a substantial library evokes a distinct sensation. There is a vast, boundless reservoir of information, much like the sky. Education, culture, literature, science, religion, politics, economy, social policy, foreign policy, nature, and books on rivers are all evident. This platform contains the world's wise individuals' profound thoughts, ideas, and philosophy. For me, Rabindranath is a comprehensive library that offers specialised resources to fully engage in a wide range of literary disciplines, allowing for a seamless immersion in the realm of knowledge. This unique library contains remnants of several subjects, providing the chance to enhance learning in natural sciences, religion, social education, philosophy, and international relations. I believe the breadth of Rabindranath's knowledge and accomplishments can be likened to that of a library exclusively. Rabindranath cannot be compared with any other individuals.
While writing this article today, after a long time, I remembered the Pandit sir of my village school. I may not find such a scholar now. He taught us very carefully. He was proficient in both Bengali and English. He used to take our Bengali and Sanskrit classes. Sometimes, he also took English classes. One day, when he came to take an English class, he was teaching a poem by the poet Wordsworth that was very beautiful. The teaching style was so lovely that we all listened with rapt attention. That day, a classmate asked who the best sir was. Poet- Rabindranath or Wordsworth. That day, he read us a verse from the Upanishad, breaking it down slowly and explaining the meaning of each word. From then on, he used to say this verse about Rabindranath.
This verse means: "One sky can be compared to another sky. One sea is compared to another sea." But who can be compared to Rabindranath? Not with anyone. Rabindranath is only compared to Rabindranath. Rabindranath is truly incomparable. Similes can only be compared with similes. So, if we have to say what Rabindranath is like, then we have to say that Rabindranath is only like Rabindranath. Rabindranath is the first Asian and the first non-European to win the Nobel Prize for Bengali literature. But Nobel Laureate Rabindranath is not compared to other Nobel Laureates. Rudyard Kipling (England, 1907), Romain Rolland (1915, France), William Butler Yeats (1923, England), Boris Pasternak (1958, Russia) or Pablo Neruda (1971, Spain), Gunter Grass (1999, Germany) all of them are Nobel laureate and Tagore met with many of them. But Rabindranath cannot be compared with any of them. There are several reasons for that. Rabindranath was not only a poet, not a creator of Bengali short stories, not a strong essayist, not a lyricist and composer, not only a steadfast thinker, but he was also a whole man, singer, actor, painter, educator, founder of educational institutions, participated In Indian politics too who wrote national anthems of two countries (Bangladesh and India). I don't know where to find such an identity altogether. Is it just that? During that time, he has travelled to more than 30 countries. East to West. Mixed with many legends. Yeats, Ezra Pound, T.S. Eliot, Albert Einstein, William Rothenstein, Helen Keeler, Romain Rolland and many others have exchanged ideas with Rabindranath Tagore.
Romain Rolland, a highly acclaimed French playwright, writer, essayist, art historian, and spiritualist, authored the famed 10-volume book Jean-Christophe, which earned him the prestigious Nobel Prize in Literature in 1915. Jean-Christophe, the protagonist of this literary work, was a talented French musician and accomplished composer. He faced numerous challenges, encountered difficult situations, and experienced spiritual turmoil. The heroic figure, Jean-Christophe, humbly kneeled on the ravaged soil of war-ravaged France, gazing upwards with intense anguish, yearning for a fresh existence bestowed by the Divine. However, Rabindranath serves as the source of illumination and optimism in the lives of Bengalis. He had a deep affection for individuals in the poem titled "1400 Saal"- the poet wonders who will be reading his poetry a hundred years from now, sitting inquisitively. Rabindranath conveyed his aspiration. He yearned to reside among the populace. He regarded people as deities.
In my earlier statement, I likened Rabindranath to an expansive and vibrant knowledge repository. The library houses an extensive collection of books by several writers covering a wide range of subjects and a series of artworks. However, labelling the library as a typical library would be erroneous. Instead, it should be recognised as a remarkable storehouse of brilliance, housing immense knowledge, culture, and innovation. Let's consider a scenario where the library is restricted to only one individual. The individual in question is Rabindranath Tagore, a highly talented and versatile genius whose works in literature, music, and painting are widely acknowledged and esteemed. Rabindranath is an extensive repository of knowledge and a lifetime dedicated to artistic expression. Rabindranath Tagore was born in Calcutta, part of British India, on May 7, 1861. He lived from the late 1800s until the early 1900s. His family played a crucial role in the Bengali Renaissance, being at the forefront of the revival of cultural, social, and intellectual life. Being up in such a setting cultivated in him a profound fascination with poetry and music from a young age. Rabindranath commenced composing poetry when he was eight years old and released his first remarkable anthology of poems at sixteen, adopting the pen name "Bhanusingha". As he aged, the quantity of his literary output expanded significantly, encompassing various genres such as poems, novels, short stories, plays, essays, and songs. His multifaceted abilities and profound understanding of several fields and themes distinguished him in the realm of writing.
The core of Rabindranath's collection consists of the incredible and indescribable poems that are the basis of his literary heritage. His poetry exhibits a remarkable fusion of sentiment, natural elements, spirituality, and humanistic values. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913 for his collection "Gitanjali" (Songs of Anjali), widely regarded as a timeless masterpiece. The poems of Rabindranath's "Gitanjali" convey a profound spirituality and embody his conviction in the interconnectedness of humanity. The salient feature of Rabindranath's poetry is its ease of understanding. His language is simple and poetic, making it capable of captivating a broad audience, even when discussing intricate topics. The poet's verses frequently convey profound reverence for the natural world, portraying its splendour and enigma in a manner that has the power to inspire readers.
Rabindranath possessed a diverse range of talents beyond poetry. His short stories and novels are equally significant as they offer a detailed portrayal of the socio-cultural circumstances of his era. Essays such as "Gora", "Ghare-Bayre", and "Chokher Bali" explore the intricacies of Indian society, nationalism, identity, and the position of women. Is it solely that? In addition, he has achieved success in the fields of music and painting. He created around 2000 songs. These songs combine elements of Indian classical music and Bengali folk music. Rabindra Sangeet, with its poetic beauty and diverse melodies, is widely regarded as a fundamental aspect of Bengali culture. Rabindranath's paintings showcase an additional facet of his creative expression. He commenced his artistic endeavours in the later stages of his life, and his artworks are renowned for their distinctive blend of vibrant hues and abstract forms. His paintings frequently embody the emotions and nature found in his poetry, conveying the fundamental aspects of human passion and the natural world through distinctive imagery. Rabindranath Tagore was a polymath, including the roles of a writer, artist, and profound philosopher. He envisioned a society where international relations were founded on cultural exchange and mutual respect. His educational philosophy catalysed the creation of Visva Bharati University. This institution aimed to provide a comprehensive education to students from other countries, unrestricted by the limitations of traditional educational systems.
The legacy of Rabindranath is akin to an ever-expanding library, serving as a source of inspiration for successive generations of readers, artists, and intellectuals. The artist's creations surpass the limitations of language and culture, offering profound understandings of the human experience that remain pertinent in contemporary times. Rabindranath's poetry, storytelling, music, and paintings beckon us to delve into the profound aspects of our humanity, urging us to embrace creativity, compassion, and a feeling of universal interconnectedness. Rabindranath Tagore is a prominent figure in international literature. The library is a repository with profound expressions of knowledge, beauty, and humanity on its shelves. The contribution serves as a reminder that the fundamental nature of culture consists in its capacity to surpass temporal boundaries and evoke inspiration. To construct a society in which the diverse and multifaceted nature of the human experience is acknowledged and valued.
Ultimately, the previous century proved to be the most regrettable period for humanity. Throughout this century, there have been two global conflicts: a severe economic downturn in 1929, instances of hunger and smallpox outbreak in Bengal, the partition of India, horrifying riots, the liberation war of 1971, and the subsequent devastation of Bengal. Arguably, the Bengalis may be considered the most unfortunate race in the world. Despite the prevailing circumstances, one might transcend the feelings of hopelessness, sadness, and need and confidently declare - "bright star is engulfed in profound obscurity. My mind, do not be disoriented." We, as Bengalis, have experienced an immense amount of loss that goes beyond words.
Nevertheless, I assert emphatically that the previous century failed to provide the world with the same level of contributions as those made by Rabindranath. In a formal letter, Sarachchandra told Rabindranath that while the world has provided us with many things, we have also made significant contributions through your remarkable abilities. This is an exceptional and profound portrayal of Rabindranath's influence on the life of a Bengali. He brings us joy every day. Rabindranath is our identity.