"Mor Chitta Majhe/Chiro Nutaner Dilo Daak/Panchishe Baishakh (In the midst of my heart/The call of the eternally new/On the twenty fifth of Baishakh)" was written by Rabindranath Tagore on his birthday. Today the 25th of Baishakh marks the poet's birthday once again. The theme for his 165th birth anniversary is "Rabindranath, the Poet of Peace and Humanity".
Rabindranath Tagore remains deeply embedded in the creativity, consciousness, aesthetics and culture of Bengalis, making his birth anniversary a national cultural celebration. He was born on Baishakh 25 1268 in the renowned Tagore family of Jorasanko in Kolkata. He was the fourteenth child of Maharshi Debendranath Tagore and Saradasundari Devi. Tagore elevated Bengali language and literature to the global stage after receiving the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913 for his poetry collection Gitanjali. His song "Amar Sonar Bangla" became the national anthem of Bangladesh.
The deepest expressions of Bengali emotion are reflected in Tagore's literary works. His contributions to poetry, songs, rhymes, short stories, novels, essays, travelogues, children's literature, letters and plays have immensely enriched Bengali literature. Rabindranath Tagore did not limit himself to literary inspiration alone. Tagore played a pioneering role in social development. His long 80 year working life came to an end on 22 Shraban 1348.
The Ministry of Cultural Affairs will observe the day nationwide with due dignity and festivity. State programmes will be organised in areas associated with the poet's memory, including Shilaidaha in Kushtia. A three day national programme has been arranged. Similar cultural events will also be held in Patisar of Naogaon and Shahjadpur of Sirajganj.
Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy also chock out special cultural programmes. Educational institutions across the country will also observe the occasion through cultural functions, discussion meetings and essay competitions.
The Ministry of Cultural Affairs and Bangla Academy have undertaken initiatives to publish and distribute commemorative souvenirs and posters marking the poet's 165th birth anniversary.
