The greatest poet in the history has composed the National Anthems of two nations - "Jana Gana Mana Adhinayaka Jaya He" for India and "Amar Shonar Bangla" for Bangladesh.
Fondly called as Gurudev, his works expressed every emotion that makes us human and influenced each one of us who followed his works. The death anniversary of the legendary poet is celebrated as 'Baishe Shrabon' (Shravan 22, in the Bengali calendar) in Bengal.
It is very simple to be happy, but it is very difficult to be simple- Rabindranath Tagore
Here are 10 interesting facts about the global icon.
- Tagore was born on 7 May 1861 in Kolkata. The global icon passed away on this day, August 7, in the year 1941.
- Father Devendranath Tagore and mother Sharda Devi were very fond of him because he was the youngest of 13 siblings.
- After completing his schooling, Tagore enrolled in England. He received his law education from the University of London. However, he returned to India before the degree.
- Tagore was the first non-European to win the Nobel Prize in 1913 for the poem Gitanjali. This was his last composition.
- Even the national anthem of Sri Lanka is considered to be inspired by his poetry. He composed about 2,230 songs.
- Gurudev has penned hundreds of novels, short stories, dance-dramas, poems, essays and travelogues. He has written over 2000 songs, which are popularly known as 'Rabindra Sangeet'.
- Some of the best literary works incudes Haimanti, Kabuliwala, Kshudita Pashna and Musalmanir Golpo.
- Other works include Gora, Gitanjali, Rakta Karabi, Ghare Baire, Shesher Kobita, Raja O Rani, Tasher Desh, Dena Paona, Shanchayita. Most of his work has been translated into several languages.
- Famous novels include Chaturanga, Gora, Naukadubi, Jogjog, Ghare Bayar.
- Tagore had a great respect for Mahatma Gandhi. However, there have been times when the two have differed on many issues. Tagore's approach was more logical. It is noteworthy that it was Tagore who gave the title of Mahatma to Gandhi.
Check his famous quotes:
- Every child comes with the message that God is not yet discouraged of man.
- Love does not claim possession but gives freedom.
- And because I love this life, I know I shall love death as well.
- Music fills the infinite between two souls.
- He who has the knowledge has the responsibility to impart it to the students.
- Those who own much have much to fear
- Nirvana is not the blowing out of the candle. It is the extinguishing of the flame because day is come
If you cry because the sun has gone out of your life, your tears will prevent you from seeing the stars.