By NNN-BSS,
Dhaka, Bangladesh : The 147th birth anniversary of Kabiguru Rabindrnath Thakur would be celebrated today showing respect to the versatile literary genius.
Besides poetry, Thakur who was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1913, contributed the Bengali literature and culture as a short-story writer, lyricist, music composer, playwright, essayist, and painter. He is also the composer of Bangladesh’s national anthem.
The great poet was a pioneer in the use of colloquial language in Bengali literature and introduced new forms of prose and verse and freed it from classical Sanskrit model.
The cultural affairs ministry and different socio-cultural organisations throughout the country have chalked out elaborate programmes to celebrate the day.
Local administrations in various parts of the country including Shilaidaha of Kushtia that cherishes memories of the poet, will organise colourful programmes to mark the occasion.
Newspapers will publish special articles and radio and television channels will air special programmes marking the anniversary.
Born to the distinguished Tagore family of Jorashanko in Kolkata, West Bengal in 1861, Rabindranath Tagore was 14th among the children of Debendranath Tagore, a well-known Hindu reformer and mystic, and Sharada Devi.
President Iajuddin Ahmed and Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed have issued separate messages conveying deep respect to the memories of the poet.
The President, in his message, paid rich tributes to the memory of Rabindranath Tagore on the occasion of his 147th birth anniversary.
“The contribution of Rabindranath to the Bangla literature is ever glittering . . . His extraordinary literary art works would inspire the Bangla speaking people with creative works for ages,” the message read.
The president said the huge and multifarious creation of Rabindranath established Bangla language at the world assembly.
“The poetical philosophy of the extraordinary poet is devoted to the welfare of the human being as the worshiping of truth and beauty and flourishing of human values are the key-tone of his literary devotion,” he added.
The Chief Adviser, in his message, called Rabindranath as the “greatest genius and top poet of all times” in Bengali language and literature.
“He commanded over with pride all spheres of literature and culture including poetry, drama, music, painting, short story, novel and essay leaving marks of his unparalleled contribution,” Fakhruddin said.
The Chief Adviser said Rabindranath’s philosophy and social thoughts reflected his close touch with people and the nature of this part of the world while his songs and poetry inspired the people of this country in the Liberation War.
A five-day festival began on Tuesday at Patisar Rabindra Kachari Bari in Atrai upazila under Naogaon district.
In Shajadpur `Kacharibari’ of Rabindranath, the Sirajganj district administration will stage a three-day function to be joined by promising artistes of the northern region and leading cultural group Sammilita Sangskritik Jote and Nazrul Academy.
The poet composed a number of his famous poems, songs and stories in Shahjadpur.