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Dr Paramita shares her experience with Tagore, as she grew up. She pens a poem in his tribute, as part of the Special Feature, on his 159th birth anniversary. An exclusive for Different Truths.
From early childhood, Rabindranath Tagore has been a part and parcel of my life. Both my parents used to recite his poems and my mother an exponent of Rabindra Sangeet used to sing Tagore’s songs so well. They would quote him in our everyday life. So Tagore, the bearded bard, was like someone next door. So my poem expresses the same feelings. On the 159th birth anniversary of Tagore, the poem is my ode to him.
Rabindranath Tagore
Oh, Great Poet! I salute you on your birth anniversary.
My very life has been inspired by you.
My expressions and thoughts
have all stemmed from you.
Born in a Bengali family,
Your poems and stories
have been told by my parents.
To encourage me and show me
what is wrong and right.
To help me make this world better and bright.
You have written about every season.
We quote you for every reason.
You have expressed every emotion.
You have given us immense motivation.
Oh, how? Oh, how could you understand?
The feelings of every man and woman of every country and every land?
With simple words, you have expressed,
The meaning of life,
The meaning of love.
The meaning of feelings.
The trick to stopping all strife.
When can I stop your praise, my poet?
When can I stop my admiration, my poet?
From morning to night you are in my thoughts.
Picture design Anumita Roy, Different Truths
