Dance performance by a Singaporean group during the Rabindra Jayanti celebration held at Temple of Fine Arts in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur.
THE Malaysian Bengalee Association held a memorable Rabindra Jayanti celebration in honour of prominent Indian poet and writer Rabindranath Tagore.
The event marking the Nobel laureate’s 162nd birth anniversary was held at the Temple of Fine Arts in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur.
At the celebration were Indian High Commissioner to Malaysia Shri B.N. Reddy and his wife Lalita Devi, Malaysian Bengalee Association president Swapna Das, treasurer Prabir Mittra, Tagore show event director Sucheta Sen Gupta and Sutra Foundation founder Datuk Ramli Ibrahim.
Sucheta said Tagore’s works expressed all seasons and moods of love very well.
Renowned Odissi dancer Srabonti Dutta (back row, left) with her students from Singapore who performed during the Rabindra Jayanti celebration. — Photos courtesy of Malaysian Bengalee Association
“Some of his poems vividly portray the depth and the intensity of the poet’s love.
“His wooing of his beloved is often in the tradition of Indian courtly love,” she said.
Tagore was a Bengali polymath who worked as a poet, writer, philosopher and social reformer.
(From left) Swapna and Reddy paying tribute to Tagore by lighting an oil lamp. Looking on is Ramli.
He is well-known for his poetry, novels, essays, short stories and thousands of songs.
At the event, the association showcased the diverse forms of love depicted by Tagore including his love for children, the divine entity and nature.
Reddy said Tagore made a major contribution in so many people’s lives.
“Today’s event will help each of us to cherish the rich contributions of Tagore and also to share this enduring legacy with the younger generation.
Malaysian performers on stage at the celebration.
“I am very confident that the moral instructions expressed in Tagore’s poetry will continue to inspire us, especially the children who have open minds and are more set on learning,” added Reddy.
The event drew a cosmopolitan gathering of Malaysians and expatriates including from India.
Musical acts were performed by people of various nationalities.
An exhibition on the works and contributions of Tagore was also held at the event.
