Of TAGORE, Lanka and Tagore...

Ishara Jayawardane

Rabindranath Tagore, one of the most famous sons of India, was the first non-European to win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913 He had such a knowledge of poetry coupled with rare talent. He was able to create such beauty and perfection in the arts. He was a man who could grasp the subtleties of Literature and life itself, with the enviable ability to make fine distinctions. He was a Poet, short-story writer, song composer, novelist, playwright, essayist, and painter.

Tagore Day was celebrated on his 152nd Birth Anniversary at the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute of International Relations and Strategic studies. In order to commemorate his 152nd Birth Anniversary, the volume, 'Tagore and Sri Lanka' was launched.

"The book which is being released today is based on the seminar on Tagore and his association with Sri Lanka which was held at the same venue in 2012. At that seminar we sought to explore Tagore's very special association with Sri Lanka and the various dimensions of his association with Sri Lanka, his five visits to the island and his legacy and impact left behind in Sri Lanka and in its Arts, Cultural and Literary landscape. This volume brings together a number or speeches delivered by Tagore during his visits to Sri Lanka with illustrations, letters, photographs and paintings associated with the visit. I have no doubt that the book being released today will be enlightening. When we celebrate Tagore's 150th Birth Anniversary what really strikes us a very genuine outpouring of interest in Tagore and affection for India from Sri Lanka, all our events elicited an extremely enthusiastic response.

As I am prepared to leave Sri Lanka as my tenure has ended I have a treasure trove of very warm memories of Sri Lanka. 89 years since his last visit Tagore still commands a lot of affection in this country. Perhaps it is the respect of Tagore's multifaceted genius. His last visit to Sri Lanka was in 1934 and before left a very direct impact. Tagore reminded the people of Sri Lanka of their very rich cultural heritage. In many of his speeches he lamented how Ceylonese are prepared to disown our own rich heritage. He encouraged the discovery of our cultural roots in Sri Lanka and his message struck a very deep cord. Tagore called this an ancient association of minds between India and Sri Lanka," said Indian High Commissioner Ashok K. Kantha.

Some of Tagore's greatest works include Gitanjali, Gora, Ghare-Baire, Jana Gana Mana, Rabindra Sangeet, Amar Shonar Bangla. Tagore wrote poetry as an eight-year-old. At age sixteen, he released his first set of poems under the pseudonym 'Sun Lion', which was an instant hit hailed as a classic by critics. His contribution to Music, Paintings, Theatre, Novels, Stories and Poetry can be regarded as a celebration of humanity and a service done to the word.

"We must reflect upon the legacy that Rabindranath Tagore has left behind. There is a profound outpouring of respect for Tagore and a deep interest in his work so long after his demise. The event this evening raises a particular focus on the relationship between Rabindranath Tagore and our own country. I think there is a rich tapestry of ideas, which has cemented this relationship which has brought vigor and vitality to it over so many decades.

As far as ideas are concerned, many things that Tagore spoke and wrote upon remain of pivotal interest and significance in our country today. There is much discussion about the role of women in public life. For example women are very active in all walks of life in our country, but one area women seemed to be lagging behind in is representation in parliament.

There are only seven women in a parliament that consist of 225 members. Tagore had much to say on this subject. Gitanjali a collection of poems written by Tagore in a fascinating way very vividly graphically captures its subject matter in the inimitable style of Rabindranath Tagore. In his ideas about education incorporated into his overall concept many components which are very relevant and important to us today.

His emphasis on the fact that education cannot deal exclusively in the development of the intellect it is something much broader. It has to do with the development of the whole human personality. Tagore exemplified that approach to education," said External Affairs Minister Professor Gamini Lakshman Peiris