Auld Lang Syne/ Purano Shei Diner Kotha: Part - II.

Author's Note: The 1^st part can be read HERE.

Auld Lang Syne: The popular belief is that Robert Burns wrote "Auld Lang Syne" and this has been the subject of much debate. In short, though it is apparent that Burns "restored" the piece based on fragments of an old ballad dating from before his time, it can be reasonably concluded that Burns probably only added a few verses of his own - to the song. The most compelling evidence, however, is demonstrated in a letter from Burns to Mrs. Agnes Dunlop in which he comments:

              

"Light be the turf on breast of the heaven-inspired poet who composed this glorious fragment! There is more of the fire of native genius in it than in half a dozen of modern English Bacchanalians."

In this statement, Robert Burns was confirming that someone else had written this marvelous piece, albeit that the original words had been lost in the mists of time. His reference to "Light be the turf" means... the turf lying upon the writers grave. The "glorious fragment" confirms that Burns had taken the only known verses and added to them. His praise of the unknown writer's talent ("... the fire of native genius") demonstrates Burns great admiration for the words.   

On this basis, it has been concluded that Rabbie Burns certainly wrote at least two verses, which have been attributed to his style. (Verses 3 and 4) The other verses and the famous chorus are believed to have dated from the middle of the 16th century, if not before.

[Note: Here's Robert Burns' version of "Auld Lang Syne."]

The phrase: "Auld Lang Syne" - is also used in similar poems by Robert Ayton (1570–1638), Allan Ramsay (1686–1757) and James Watson (1711) as well as older folk songs predating Burns. Matthew Fitt uses the phrase, "In the days of auld lang syne" as the equivalent of "Once upon a time..." in his retelling of fairy tales in the Scots language.

Burns sent a copy of the original song to the Scots Musical Museum with the remark, "The following song, an old song, of the olden times, and which has never been in print, nor even in manuscript until I took it down from an old man." [This old man is thought to have been an old shepherd from whose lips Burns first heard this song c. 1788. Later on, he added two new stanzas of his own - to the original Scottish song. Then in 1799, this song was formally published and has ever since been associated with Burns; rather been credited to him.]

Some of the lyrics were indeed "collected" rather than composed by the poet; the ballad "Old Long Syne" printed in 1711 by James Watson shows considerable similarity in the first verse and the chorus to Burns' later poem, and is almost certainly derived from the same "old song". It is a fair supposition to attribute the rest of the poem to Burns himself.

"Auld Lang Syne" is usually sung each year at midnight on New Year's Day (Hogmanay in Scotland) in the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, the United States, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Hong Kong, and the English-speaking areas of India, Pakistan, and Canada ... and signifies the start of a new year.

It is used as a graduation song and a funeral song in Taiwan and Hong Kong, symbolizing an end or a goodbye. In Japan and Hungary, too, it is used in graduation, and many stores and restaurants play it to usher customers out at the end of a business day. In both the Indian Armed Forces and the Pakistani Military, the band plays this song during the graduating parade of the recruits. In the Philippines, it is well known and sung at celebrations like graduations, New Year and Christmas Day. Also, before 1972, it was the tune for the Gaumii salaam anthem of The Maldives (with the current words). In Thailand, it is used for Samakkkhi Chumnum (Together in unity), sung after sports. In Brazil, Portugal, France, Spain, Greece, Poland, and Germany this song is used to mark a farewell. It is also used in the Scout movement for the same purpose, but with somewhat different lyrics.

The tune to which "Auld Lang Syne" is universally sung is a pentatonic Scots folk melody, probably originally a sprightly dance in a much quicker tempo.

In the United States, the song is used as a song of remembrance at 9-11 memorials and other memorial events. The University of Virginia's alma mater ("The Good Old Song"), and the anthem of Alpha Kappa Psi, the largest professional business fraternity in the U.S., is both sung to the tune of "Auld Lang Syne".

In India, the melody was the direct inspiration for the popular Bengali song "Purano shei diner kotha" (About the old days) composed by the great Nobel laureate Kobiguru Rabindranath Tagore. And it forms one of the more recognizable tunes in Rabindra Sangeet (the songs of Rabindranath Tagore) - a treasure-trove of 2,230 songs and lyrical poems that form the backbone of Bengali (Bangla) music. In Japan, the Japanese students' song Hotaru no hikari ("Glow of a Firefly") uses the "Auld Lang Syne" tune. The words are a series of images of hardships that the industrious student endures in his relentless quest for knowledge, starting with the firefly’s light - that the student uses to keep studying when s/he has no other light sources.

The tune is also used for the Dutch football song, Wij houden van Oranje (We love Orange). In France, the melody is used with French words and the parting song is entitled Ce n’est qu’un au revoir (This is only 'until we meet again' [not goodbye]). In Indonesia, the melody is used as a farewell song that is commonly sung during graduation or farewell parties. In South Korea, the melody was used for their national anthem, Aegukga, until composer Ahn Eak-tai composed a new melody to the existing lyrics. In Italy, Italian football supporters are very familiar with this melody since the 1970s. It is often sung in stadiums during the matches, especially after the kick-off. Many Italian supporters of different regions and cities adopted this tune and arranged its lyrics according to their teams. These are the lyrics sung by A.S. Roma supporters: La nostra fede mai morrà/canteremo noì ultrà/e insieme a te saremo allor/forza Roma vinci ancor (Our faith will never die/we, the ultrà, will sing/then we'll be with you/come on Roma, win again). In Spain and in Poland, the Scouts movement - for their farewell song at the end of summer camps or just to say goodbye after big events - uses this tune.

So, I guess, one can safely conclude that "Auld Lang Syne" is indeed a very well traveled song.

"Your friend is your needs answered." So said the Lebanese-American artist, poet and writer - the great Kahlil Gibran.

And I say, true that! Wholeheartedly.

Frankly, there are no words to fully express the joys of having friends, especially friends that one can grow wise with. However, both the great bards – Robert Burns and Robi Thakur tried to, what say?

Here are Kahlil Gibran's complete words:

Your friend is your needs answered.

He is your field which you sow with love and reap with thanksgiving.

And he is your board and your fireside.

For you come to him with your hunger, and you seek him for peace.

When your friend speaks his mind you fear not the “nay” in your own mind, nor do you withhold the “ay.”

And when he is silent your heart ceases not to listen to his heart;

For without words, in friendship, all thoughts, all desires, all expectations are born and shared, with joy that is unacclaimed.

[by Kahlil Gibran (January 6, 1883 - April 10, 1931)

From The Prophet (1923)

Section - Friendship]

Do listen:

1. Julie Andrews singing Auld Lang Syne: Link.

2. Auld Lang Syne with Bagpipes: Link.

3. Auld Lang Syne (Celtic Version): Link.

4. Susan Boyle singing Auld Lang Syne: Link.

5. And here's the Bee Gees singing Black Diamond (YouTube link). The lyrics can be found: HERE.

Listen to them and be claimed by nostalgia!

[Concluded]

PS: Here's the Bee Gees' How Deep Is Your Love (link). Timeless, isn't it? Just couldn't resist mentioning it here and providing the link too. Enjoy!

PPS: As well as making original compositions, Burns also collected folk songs from across Scotland, often revising or adapting them. His poem (and song) Scots Wha Hae served for a long time as an unofficial national anthem of Scotland. Other poems and songs of Burns that remain well-known across the world today include A Red, Red Rose; A Man's A Man for A' That; To a Louse; To a Mouse; Halloween, The Battle of Sherramuir; Tam o' Shanter, and Ae Fond Kiss. To know more about this Scottish genius, hop on to: Link.

Photograph: The best-known portrait of Burns, by Alexander Nasmyth. Full view of the Nasmyth portrait of 1787, Scottish National Portrait Gallery. Pic. courtesy: Link.

Auld Lang Syne/ Purano Shei Diner Kotha: Part - I.

Gurudeb Rabindranath Tagore, Bishwakobi Robindronath Thakur - our very own Robi Thakur - was born on 7 May 1861 and sailed into the sunset leaving behind his considerable oeuvre and legacy - for us to savour - on 7 August 1941. This being the month of July - the official rainy season, though Mr. Rain is happily vacationing in Spain; yet the occasional pitter-patter of the raindrops brings to mind Robi Thakur's evergreen songs and poems. And that pretty much helped me to decide on what I want to write next.

I have an old friend, a friend from my schooldays and he is very good at playing the mouth organ. And though he lives in Japan now, he faithfully did his bit as our Cultural Ambassador there - playing Rabindrasangeeth at a concert - last year.

Now, Rabindrasangeeth (or the songs of Robindranath Tagore) is the most melodious of songs ... according to yours truly of course. And if this doesn't seal or giveaway my true blue bongololona roots, what will?! You agree, don't you? [Note: Mind it, I said roots and not grassroots :)]

But let me not digress.

Umm, so you want to know what tune my friend played? Well, he played Purano Shei Diner Kotha - penned by our much-loved poet laureate - and mesmerized his audience.

'Purano sei diner kotha bhulbi ki re hai o shei chokher dekha, praaner kotha shaykii bhola jaaye' - is about the beauty of days gone by. A nostalgic tune that brings you back your childhood, takes you through down memory lane.

Tagore particularly admired the celebrated 18th century Scottish poet and lyricist, Robert Burns (1759-96) - the one who penned O My Love is Like a Red, Red Rose. Burns is Scotland's national poet and is also known as Rabbie Burns, Scotland's favourite son, the Ploughman Poet, Robden of Solway Firth, the Bard of Ayrshire and in Scotland as The Bard.

He is regarded, as a pioneer of the Romantic Movement, and after his death became a great source of inspiration to the founders of both liberalism and socialism, and a cultural icon in Scotland and the Scottish Diaspora around the world.

As you may know, Tagore's "Purano shei diner kotha" (Memories of the Good Old Days) was inspired from the tunes of "Auld Lang Syne" - a Scottish poem composed by Robert Burns. Burns did not compose it per se but rather saved it from obscurity.

There is some doubt as to whether the melody used today is the same one Burns originally intended, but it is widely used in Scotland and in the rest of the world.

Singing the song on Hogmanay or New Year's Eve very quickly became a Scots custom that soon spread to other parts of the British Isles. As Scots (not to mention English, Welsh and Irish people) emigrated around the world, they took the song with them.

As for us: much of our culture and heritage - including songs, poetry, folklore, art and music has been lost to the mists of time. Or has been twisted beyond recognition. Much of it - our heritage, that is - now revolves around whether women or girls, I mean the female of the species, should wear jeans. Must say, our self-proclaimed 'sons-of-the-soil' aka dhartiputra-s aka 'defenders of our ancient culture and traditions' are quite convinced that Levi Strauss also moonlighted as Manu's darzi. But ... the dhoti, panche or mundu has absolutely nothing to do with the upliftment of 'our ancient culture and traditions'. This is perhaps because it is difficult to uplift anything else let alone 'our ancient culture and traditions' ... while wearing them. One is too busy uplifting the dhoti, the panche or the mundu instead. Also these are major hindrances when the sundry 'defenders' and the 'sons-of-the-soil' have to answer their call of sacred duty whenever the womenfolk 'ask for it'. Tying them back on after having done one's duty is a momentous task indeed. Therefore selective amendments have been made ... so as to allow the inglees pants, better known as trousers, to sneak in.

Umm, I have been digressing yet again. My apologies. You see the compass is on a vacation. But henceforth I'll stick to the straight and narrow, I promise. So, lets retrace our steps.

In other cultures however, there are composers whose compositions have stood the test of time. Auld Lang Syne by Scotland's best-loved bard, Robert Burns (1759-1796) is one such example. This wonderful pentatonic tune influenced two popular compositions in Bangla. Tagore himself composed Purano Shei Diner Kotha based on it, while Suparnakanti Ghosh did the same many years later by injecting the tune verbatim - in order to introduce the lyrics of Gauriprasanna Majumder's Coffee House-r Shei Adda, that Manna De's golden vocal chords elevated to the status of anthem for the youth. The story of Burns ends here, very little of the rest of the genius of Burns lives on. Be that his poetry or his music. For many other popular Celtic or Scottish songs, the tune or composition has survived while the composer has gone into oblivion ... claimed by that wise, old man with a long, gray beard - also known as Father Time.

"Auld Lang Syne" ("s" rather than "z") is Scottish for "old long ago" or "a long time ago" or "old times". Consequently "For auld lang syne", as it appears in the first line of the chorus, might be loosely translated as "for (the sake of) old times".

[Note: "Auld Lang Syne" - the song's (Scots) title may be translated into English literally as, "old long since", or more idiomatically, "long, long ago" or "days gone by".]

In Scots syne is pronounced like the English word sign - IPA: [sain] - not [zain] as many people pronounce it.

As for 'Purano Sei Diner Kotha': The lyrics are so simple and yet so profound. Memories about the simple joys of life, shared with someone you love. Memories that are old sepia-tinted but cannot be forgotten. Memories of meeting of the eyes and heartfelt talks; memories of picking flowers together - early in the morning; memories of swinging on a swing and singing under the shade of a tree. Can one really forget those (g)olden days?

Who did Robi Thakur pen this for? Who did he have in mind - that inspired such timeless lyrics that also tugs at one's heartstrings?

Maybe he wrote it for Kadambari Debi - his much-adored sister-in-law-cum-childhood playmate - in her memory, that is. [Note: I am not completely sure though. The net  - particularly Prof. Google - wasn't of much help and none of my friends could throw any light on this. But, if any of you are aware of any more snippets, please do share.]

Tagore composed this song after he came back from England, and it was in England that he first heard this Scottish folk song: Auld Lang Syne. He has captured the pathos of parting, and used the same notes as were used in the original song ... with his amazing, vivid and lyrical imagination. So much so that it reaches in and touches the soul. Needless to say, 'Purano Sei Diner Kotha' is one of my favorite songs.

This song is about nostalgia, about loss of old friends and the hope of meeting them again. It is about the memories that remain in our hearts forever. It is about remembering those old times and wishing them back. It is about the friendships that we have let go of ... while we were too busy with ourselves ... only to realize one fine day what actually we have lost.

Here is the song in Bangla:

Purano shei diner kotha

Bhulbi kii re

Hai o shei chokher dekha, praaner kotha

Shaykii bhola jaaye

Aaye aar ektibar aayre shokha

Praner majhe aaye mora

Shukher dukher kotha kobo

Praan jodabe tai

Mora bhorer bela phuul tulechi, dulechi dolaaye

Bajiye baanshi gaan geyechi bokuler tolai

Hai majhe holo chadachadi, gelem ke kothaye,

Abaar dekha jodi holo shokha, praner majhe aai

And here is the English Translation (not mine though): it is not an exact text translation, but sort of:

Old times' tale - how could they be forgotten?

Lived through our eyes,

Words spurting from our hearts - sweet memories

Come once again ... to the embrace of the soul,

Sharing joys and woes, gratifying our hearts.

We gathered flowers in the dawn, swayed on the swing,

We sang songs and played the flute beneath the bokul tree

Alas we parted then, who knows where we went...

Now that we meet again, friends, let's embrace.

Here is a link to the fabulous Purano shei diner kotha - rendered by the evergreen Hemanta Mukhopadhyay: Link.

The lovely Purano shei diner kotha played in piano [along with piano notation]: Link. 

Link to the iconic Coffee House-r Shei Adda-ta Aaj Aar Nei, Aaj Aar Nei - rendered by Manna-da's golden vocals: Link  [Guitar chords: Link.]

[The Lyrics/ Coffee House-r Shei Adda-ta Aaj Aar Nei, Aaj Aar Nei: Link.]

Purano shei diner kotha – by the peerless Kishore Kumar (Kishore Kumar Ganguly): Link.

Purano shei diner kotha – By Srikanto Acharya: Link.

Purano shei diner kotha/ Auld Lang Sine: From the movie 'Ballygunge Court': Link.

(More later ...)

Photograph: Who else, but Winnie the Pooh! Found it while trawling the net. Don't remember the link though :(

Robindra-Shongeet......the 'songs of Rabindranath Tagore' - (Part II)

The more I write about the evergreen 'Robindra-Shongeet', the more I realise that there is so much more to write, to know, to read. And of course, to listen.

Attempts have been made and are still underway to translate some of these timeless songs into hindi so as to reach a wider audiance (please visit my previous blogs: Robindra-Shongeet......the 'songs of Rabindranath Tagore' - (Part I) and 'Where the mind is without fear'........... to know more and view the links leading to these songs).

I have found some more links to such translations:

1) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORWD2z-gsHM&feature=related - Sung by Anupama Deshpande: 'Batein Meri Maan Mein Rahe' - the hindi version of Tagore's 'swan song' 'Ei Kathati Mone Rekho' (from 'Gitanjali')

2) Following is the link that leads to the bengali version of Tagore's 'swan song' - 'Ei Kathati Mone Rekho'

http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=_60aVqc9vfA&feature=related - This is someone's English translation of the Robindra-shongeet 'Ei Kathati Mone Rekho'. The lyrics imply that for Tagore, having lived a full life on Earth, it was time for him to depart. Hence, it has been titled as his 'Swan Song'. A true nationalist at heart, perhaps Tagore had a premonition of his departure before India gained independence from the British. Thus he had lamented that although he had led a full life and had accomplished a lot, he nonetheless was handicapped; ergo, had to "walk the land at night"........

3) Link to the hindi version of the bengali song 'Aamaro Porano Jaha Chaye':
http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=S29_wA6pgpU

........and the bengali version of this song is as follows:
http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=dlDRsZ927dE&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4_HDhAcZRE&feature=related - 'Whatever My Heart Desires' - English and Bengali karaoke of the Robindra-shongeet: 'Aamaro Porano Jaha Chaye'

Robindra-shongeet with its sheer beauty and lyricism retains its flavour, the language does not matter. The fragrance of the songs linger on...........simply awesome, truely evergreen.

Following is a list of a few more of the Tagore's songs conveying various emotions/moods:

1) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYa8TMc_8v8&feature=related - 'Se Din Dujane Dulechhinu Bo-ne' - A melodious composition by Tagore in which he reminisces about his life long passion for the 'Rashleela' and the 'Vaishnava cult'.

2) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vw_LEuR6qYs&feature=related - 'Tomar Holo Shuru' - based on 'Raag Yaman', 'Keherva Taal.'

3) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPRk3AQ1Xoc&feature=related - 'Tora Je Ja Bolish Bhai Amar Shonar Horin Chai' - sung by Sadi Mohammad. This song transports the listeners back to their childhood.

4) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZQkZIBtgGY&feature=related - 'Mor Beena Uthe Kon Shure Baje' - sung by Sadi Mohammad.

The translation of these songs can be very difficult as many of the words, phrases and hence the mood of the songs cannot be conveyed in English. The English language may not be adequate to convey the nuances of the Bengali/Indian culture. The first few lines may be translated thus: "My Veena (an Indian stringed musical instrument) starts playing (probably by itself) in some unknown tune, in some new restless rhythm".

5) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MoSsxYoeMPU&feature=related - 'Bodo Asha Kore Eshechi Go' - conveys sentiments for the motherland.

6) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDb0V43f4VU&feature=related - 'Chader Haasi Baandh Bhengeche'......A very beautiful song sung here by Indranil Sen and Indrani Sen.....(they have such divine voices)........simply awesome. This is a romantic song.

Newer versions of these 'Tagore songs' have been attempted in recent times:

1) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqB9WVUaNwo&feature=related - 'Tomar Holo Suru' -(Remix version)....It is no doubt a bold attempt at remixing, but worth listening nonetheless.

2) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2X6O2dpjkbM&feature=related - Dr. M. Balamuralikrishna singing 'Akash Bhora' (Robindro-Shongeet).

He is truly an international artist. A great singer from the South of India and an exponent of the 'Carnatic music' singing a Robindra-shongeet - the song is enriched in the process.

3) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kI-dwQJQRRo&feature=related - 'Bhora Thak' - A 'Music Video'.......Well conceived music video of one of the most popular songs among the 'Tagore songs'.

Robindra-Shongeet in films:

1) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzcjVlrPqYo&feature=related - 'Bhalobashi Bhalobashi' - starring Aparna Sen, Sabyasachi Chakraborty. Sung by Kavita Krishnamurthy.

Here too, Kavita, though a non-bengali has done full justice to the song. Her voice is truely enchanting.

2) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdYtv9QtNzQ&feature=related - 'Amar Raat Pohalo'.....from the film 'Alo.' This song makes one nostalgic......the listener is transported back to his/her schooldays.

The 'Bard' showered his 'lyrical nectar' on us through his songs and we must treasure them and cherish these songs for generations. Decades may pass but these songs will never lose their charm and appeal.

3) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-GrCZ3r6RVw&feature=related - from the movie 'Chhadmabeshi' (1971) starring Uttam Kumar, Madhabi Mukherjee, Bikash Roy - 'Amar Din Kathe Na' - this is a romantic song.

The mesmerizing voice of the one and only Asha Bhosle....and the ever-melodious music of Sudhin Dasgupta....a classic song indeed! A classic film too! The hindi version of this movie was titled 'Chupke Chupke' starring Sharmila Tagore, Dharmendra, Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bhaduri and Om Prakash among others.

4) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zo8YKY7kYAU&feature=related - from the film 'Nooborag' starring Suchitra Sen, Uttam Kumar - 'Ami Jene Sune Bish Korechi Paan' - sung by Sandhya Mukherjee. This song has a 'sad' undertone and conveys pathos.

5) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYVvsMwlljs&feature=related - 'Ke Prothom Kache Asechi' from the film 'Sankha Bela' (1966) - Cast: Uttam Kumar, Madhabi Mukherjee. Singers: Manna Dey, Asha Bosle. A very romantic song, one of my favourites.

6) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXQISbgVhpo&feature=related - 'Shurer Akashe' from the film 'Shap Mochan' (1955) - starring Uttam Kumar, Suchitra Sen, Kamal Mitra, Pahadi Sanyal, Bikash Roy. Singer: Hemanta Mukherjee.

7) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LP1TVopKtkg&feature=related - Film 'Monihar' - 'Ashardh Shrabon Mane' Cast: Soumitra Chatterjee, Biswajeet, Sandha Roy. Singers: Hemanta Mukherjee and Lata Mangeshkar. They created magic!

These films, these songs and music make me wonder - where did things go wrong? The music and film industry of Bengal which created such gems in the not too distant past is not even a shadow of its former self today. The 'creativity', the melodious tunes have disappeared altogether. All that is churned out is routine 'bump and grind' numbers. What a pity! Instead of following in the foot-prints of the 'golden era' this industry is trying to copy an alien culture/system of music and movie-making and thereby resembles a poor cousin of the 'B' and 'C' grade 'Bollywood' movies. The 'magic' is lost. Lets hope not forever. They must re-visit their glorious past when films were an artistic expression of feelings, great story, good acting and of course fantastic music which touched the minds and hearts of the listeners. Lets hope that like the proverbial 'sphinx' this industry too shall rise from the ashes and reclaim its lost glory. That the 'mindless' numbers will cease someday and make way for the lilting notes, the melodious voices, the lyrical genius and that they will all come together to re-create 'magic'. Once again. That the 'songs of Tagore' will show the way for the resuscitation or the revival of this industry. Let us all hope and pray that this 'Renaissance' will happen and soon and that 'Robindra-shongeet' will re-claim its rightful place.

8) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytyoj0CU0Nc&feature=related - 'Ja Re Ud Ja Re Panchhi' - film 'Maya' (1961) - starring: Dev Anand, Mala Sinha. Sung by Lata Mangeshkar.

This song is awesome, out of this world! The music director of this classic song is Salil Chaudhary. This is a beautifully composed song. There is perhaps a little Western Classical influence in the background score. But the overall tune is very Indian and very soothing on the ears. Lata's voice combines wonderfully with the score and it leaves the listener asking for more.

9) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpIwSXM7l7A&feature=related - 'Ja Ja Re Ure Pakhi'....this is the bengali version of the above song (hindi.)

Beautiful, immortal song, both in Hindi ('Ja Re Ur Ja Re Panchi' - Film: 'Maya') as well as in Bengali.

10) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2C5KHqY9oM&feature=related - This is the video of the above song (showing birds in flight). The video is as good as the song. The sweetness of the song is enchanting and everlasting.

From his 'Song Offerings' - 'Gitanjali':

1) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEIYImV2U8E&feature=related - with English sub-titles. Gitanjali Song #59: 'Ei Je Tomar Prem' - Although this song was classified by Tagore under 'Puja' (i.e. devotional), the lyrics hint at 'Prem' (love). It conveys the poet's desire and longing for a corporeal union with his 'Deity', just like any man and woman would.

Tagore's original translation is presented below: "Yes, I know, this is nothing but thy love, O beloved of my heart - this golden light that dances upon the leaves, these idle clouds sailing across the sky, this passing breeze leaving its coolness upon my forehead. The morning light has flooded my eyes - this is thy message to my heart. Thy face is bent from above, thy eyes look down on my eyes, and my heart has touched thy feet".

2) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ump64BjuhR4&feature=related - with both bengali and english (actually in a rhyming english phrase) sub-titles. Gitanjali: Song 13 - 'Hetha Je Gaan Gaite Asha' - The song 'I came here to sing' remains unsung to this day. The english translation given here is probably better than Tagore's own translation.

Note: It is quite probable that Tagore's works have been copied by others in an assortment of languages. Of the more famous 'lifters' of his thoughts, or rather 'people who were influenced by his thinking,' Juan Ramon Jimenez (Spanish Nobel laureate) and Pablo Neruda (Chiliean Nobel laureate) come to mind.

The Poet Laureate Rabindranath Tagore in Stamps:

Kabiguru Rabindranath Tagore (1861-1941) is the best known Bengali in the world. The first Non-European Noble Laureate. He put India on the literary map of the world when his collection of poems titled 'Gitanjali' was awarded the Nobel prize for literature in 1913. In the philatelic world he is still regarded with a lot of interest. Bangladesh honoured him by issuing a stamp with his late-age portrait in an elliptical frame with the picturesque view of 'Shilaidaha Kuthibari' (Estate House) situated on a little land enclave on the river Padma about 15 km south-west of Pabna, in 1991. The link is given below:

http://images.google.co.in/imgres?imgurl=http://www.banglarglimpse.com/gpr/modgpropt2.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.banglarglimpse.com/gpr.htm&usg=__YqS3keXwccggeWWhgscrWhAGp0w=&h=1008&w=553&sz=131&hl=en&start=39&tbnid=YFQfiFnfO0QcRM:&tbnh=150&tbnw=82&prev=/images%3Fq%3Drabindranath%2BTagore%26start%3D21%26gbv%3D2%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN

Links to the 'National Anthems' of India and Bangladesh (both composed by Tagore):

1) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LknudHKSWpI&feature=related - 'Amar Sonar Bangla Ami Tomai Bhalo Bashi'....sung here by Pratima Pandey Baruah. This is the National Anthem of Bangladesh.

2) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDLtqz9MOeU&feature=related - The National Anthem of India. Here Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore sings 'Jana Gana Mana' - in his own voice - that is uniquely charming and passionate.

Kabiguru Rabindranath Tagore sings:

Jana-Gana-Mana-Adhinayaka, Jaya He,

Bharata-Bhagya-Vidhata,

Punjab-Sindhu-Gujarata-Maratha,

Dravida-Utkala-Banga,

Vindhya-Himachala-Yamuna-Ganga,

Uchchhala-Jaladhi Taranga,

Taba Subha Name Jage,

Taba Subha Ashisa Mage,

Gahe Taba Jaya Gatha,

Jana-Gana-Mangala Dayaka, Jaya He,

Bharata-Bhagya-Vidhata,

Jaya He, Jaya He, Jaya He,

Jaya Jaya Jaya, Jaya He!

When one of the Greatest of Poets set aside his pen:

1) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jk04gc5IsZY&feature=related - Poem 'Robi Hara' by Kazi Nazrul Islam - in his own voice......Kazi Nazrul Islam is the 'National Poet' of Bangladesh.

This is a tribute to one great poet by another. On hearing about the passing away of Tagore (one of the greatest of poets), Kazi Nazrul Islam bid farewell to him through the poem 'Robi Hara'. He composed this poem on the day Tagore breathed his last and recorded it the very next day. The background music was composed by Kamal Das Gupta. It is a wonderful poem and is recited here by Kazi Nazrul Islam himself.

2) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01HNAQL-axU&feature=related - Tagore had written this poem way back in 1896 when he was only 35 years old. Samuel Godfrey George has lent his voice for this audio version. He has also recited Tagore's poem from Gitanjali: 'Where the mind is without fear' (please visit my earlier blog 'Where the mind is without fear'........... to view the same). It is a very moving narration, indeed.

What a tribute to Tagore, the 'Vishwakabi' - the 'poet of the world', the 'Global Person' in the true sense of the word! The images eloquently reflect the words, and the music charmingly evokes the beauty that Tagore describes. I'm glad that I was able to listen to it and share it on my blog.

If these poems are translated into hindi or english by competent translators, it will open the doors to others including non-bengalis and even Europeans to appreciate Tagore's poems beyond 'Gitanjali'.

On May 10, 2007 our Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh Thursday switched on the telecast of Rabindranath Tagore's anthology of poems 'Gitanjali' - in Hindi - on the 'Doordarshan' - the national channel - on the occasion of the poet's 146th birth anniversary. (National broadcaster Prasar Bharti, ran a year-long programme of Tagore's poems in Hindi on DD national channel every Sunday morning for half an hour). On this day, the Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee released a set of 10 digital video discs containing 40 songs of Tagore rendered in Hindi. The Information and Broadcasting Minister, Priyaranjan Dasmunsi said that his objective was to introduce the rich and vast 'Tagore literature' to Indians who do not speak Bengali.

Given below are the links to 'Gitanjali' - English and Hindi versions:

1) http://www.scribd.com/doc/8712342/Geetanjali-by-Tagore-in-English - Rabindranath Tagore's 'Gitanjali' in English.

2) http://www.scribd.com/doc/8712284/Geetanjali-iby-Tagore-in-Hindi - 'Gitanjali' by Tagore in Hindi.

Photograph: Kabiguru Rabindranath Tagore with his wife Mrinalini Devi, circa 1883.

Robindra-Shongeet......the 'songs of Rabindranath Tagore' - (Part I)

'Rabindra-Sangeet' / 'Robindra-Shongeet' or the 'Songs of Rabindranath Tagore' holds sway over the hearts of the people, on both sides of the frontier in Bengal. The beauty and depth of these songs are immeasurable. They have secured a unique place in the 'musical culture' of Bengal, again on both sides of the border of Bengal. 'Robindra-shongeet' embodies a breathtaking fusion of Tagore's musicianship and poetic genius. Even the depth of his visual genius. These songs have withstood the test of time for over a century now and will continue to hold their appeal for years to come.

There is an influence of Classical music on Robindra-shongeet and Robindra-shongeet, in turn, has influenced the more traditional forms of music and its exponents. In particular, there has been a pronounced influence of Robindra-shongeet on some of the noted classical instrumentalists of North India. It is a known fact that classical musicians over all ages and centuries have derived musical ideas from classical as well as non-classical sources. In a sense, therefore, this example of Robindra-shongeet inspiring creation of classical compositions may be interpreted as a repetition of history. Also, this endeavour has encouraged an interesting cross-influence. Some of the classical musicians have come down from their ivory towers and given Robindra-shongeet its long overdue recognition. Naturally, the exponents of Robindra-shongeet have, by and large, welcomed this dialogue between these two islands of India's musical culture, which were so far largely isolated from each other. For classical instrumentalists, it opened up an extremely potent resource to excavate for newer ideas which are applicable to their own realm. Finally, the subtle yet long-term consequence could be to motivate future generations of musicians to enrich the realm of Classical Music from similar sources beyond the boundary their own domain. This will only prove to be symbiotic.

Attempts have been made and are still underway to translate some of these timeless songs into hindi so as to reach a wider audiance (please visit my previous blog 'Where the Mind is Without Fear' for some of these links).

Here are some more links to such translations:

1) Kavita Krishnamurthy sings 'Mere Chit Mein', a hindi translation of the poem ('Momo Chitte Niti Nritye') by Kabiguru Rabindranath Tagore:

http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=MDYFOoj1uBA&feature=related

.........and below is the link to the bengali version of 'Momo Chitte Niti Nritye':

http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=yX8sKzoxSVY

2) The hindi version of the bengali song 'Phule Phule Dhole Dhole' is as below:

http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=9CdReYZb00I&feature=related

and here is the bengali version of the song 'Phule Phule Dhole Dhole' (The Swing Scene) from the movie 'Charulata':

http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=EcUHbTBElO0&feature=related

This is a memorable scene from Satyajit Ray's 'Charulata' which is an adaption of the story 'Nastanirh' by Rabindranath Tagore. In this scene, the main character, Charu aka Charulata, sings a song written by Tagore (robindra-shongeet), 'Phule Phule Dhole Dhole.'

Newer translations are still being attempted. e.g., Here is the song 'Phoole Phoole...soona mann ka' from the hit hindi movie 'Parineeta' (2005): http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=YRo4dR2WzSE&feature=related

3) This is the link for the popular bengali song 'Tumi Kemon Kore Gaan Karo Hee Guni': http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=V0IMh2n3-PM&feature=related

The link for the hindi version of the above song is as follows: http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=OuTpFQIZHTc

4) http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=ZhDctMs9JKs&feature=related - Suresh Wadkar sings 'Mere Hriday Mein', hindi translation of a Rabindranath Tagore poem from his Noble prize winning work 'Gitanjali.'

http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=G71Mg_BdySc&feature=related - 'Amar Praner Pore Chole Galo ke'...is the original bengali version of the above.

5) http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=EZ-V8YvUqSM - This is the link for the bengali song 'Na Mono Lage Na' sung by Lata Mangeshkar, Salil Chowdhury being the music director.

http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=L2qICzjBB4g - This is the hindi version 'Na Jiya Lage Na' from the movie (hindi) 'Anand' starring: Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan. Lata's melodious voice mesmerises in both!

In the past too, some translations had been undertaken/attempted and in some cases the tunes of a few of these songs (robindra-shongeet) had been used to create altogether different songs in hindi. Needless to say, that these 'new songs' too have and continue to have a mesmerising impact on the listeners!

1) http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=UQvcmBUd_uc - 'Na Jeo Na' sung by Lata Mangeshkar with the musical genius Salil Chowdhury as the music director.

http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=7hcUYuPvFUQ&feature=related - 'O Sajana Barkha Bahar Aayi' from the hindi movie 'Parakh'. Salil Chowdhury, Lata Mangeshkar and Shailendra together created this haunting 'Bollywood' song. What a composition! Eastern melody, western feel and overall a work of unsurpassed genius!

2) http://www.bharatmovies.com/videos/hindi/Yugpurush-Bandhan-Khula-Panchhi-Uda.htm - The song 'Bandhan Khula Panchhi Uda' from the hindi movie 'Yugpurush' (1998). Singers: Preeti Uttam , Ravindra Sathe. Lyricist: Majrooh Sultanpuri.

Note on Majrooh Sultanpuri (c. 1919 - May 24, 2000), was an Urdu poet, lyricist and songwriter. He was one of the dominating musical forces in Indian Cinema in the 1950s and early 1960s. Along with Faiz Ahmed Faiz, Majrooh was considered the most notable ghazal writer. He was also awarded the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1993. He was the first lyricist to win the prestigious award named after Dadasaheb Phalke. Majrooh also was instrumental in introducing R.D. Burman to Nasir Hussain for the movie 'Teesri Manzil'.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JaqRZmyQ-uM&feature=related - 'Pagla Hawa Badol Dine' - the original bengali song - robindra-shongeet - which inspired the above song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sp2xgofGjr4&feature=related - 'Pagla Hawa Badol Dine' - this is the bengali remix version, with some english translations/sub-titles as well.

All the three versions of this song have their own appeal. The words and meanings may have changed but the flavour lingers on and on and on...........

3) http://www.bengalimusiconline.com/index.php?mode=list&alpha=A - 'Amai Proshno Kore Nil Dhrubo Tara'....is the original bengali song.

http://www.nme.com/video/id/vIpj-68sE9A/search/kahin - 'Kahin Door Jab Din' sung by Mukesh - from the hindi movie 'Anand' [1970]. The musical score for the film was composed by Salil Chaudhary. The lyrics were written by Gulzar.

Note on Gulzar: Born as Sampooran Singh Kalra (born 18 August, 1936), better known by his pen name 'Gulzar', is a noted Indian poet, lyricist, director, and playwright. 'Gulzaar Saab', as he is affectionately known, primarily works in Hindi and Urdu, but has also written in Punjabi, and several dialects of Hindustani, including Marwari (Rajasthani) and Bhojpuri. Gulzar was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2004 for his contribution to the arts, and the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2002. He has also won several National Film Awards and Filmfare Awards in various categories. In 2009, he was nominated for an Academy Award in the 'Best Original Song' category for the song 'Jai Ho' in the film 'Slumdog Millionaire' (2008).

4) The song 'Koi Jaise Mere Dil Ka Dar Khatkaye' from the hindi film 'Yugpurush' (1998). Singer: Asha Bhosle. Lyricist: Majrooh Sultanpuri:

http://ww.smashits.com/music/hindi-movie/play/songs/18359/Yugpurush/134497/Koi-Jaise-Mere-Dil-Ka.html

5) The song 'Yeh Jeevan Path Mera' from the movie 'Yugpurush' (1998). Singer: Ravindra Sathe. Lyricist: Majrooh Sultanpuri:

http://ww.smashits.com/music/hindi-movie/play/songs/18359/Yugpurush/134497/Koi-Jaise-Mere-Dil-Ka.html

6) http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=bvhmlVehRWQ&feature=related - The song 'Piu Bole' from the hindi film 'Parineeta' (2005)

The tune of the last three songs mentioned above have been inspired by robindra-shongeet. We can see that 'Bollywood' has played no small part in increasing the appeal of the 'Songs of Tagore' and introducing them to a wider audiance over the past several decades. The bengali film industry too have played their part and deserves kudos.

The poems/songs of Tagore cannot be confined to one particular or specific genre. He was not just a romantic poet, his poems covered a whole gamut of emotions - from the romantic to the hauntingly romantic, to the ones filled with patriotic fervour and love for the motherland, from the dramatic to the mournful pangs of separation, of the joys of re-union to the soulful swan song. All aptly conveying the emotions in a way that one can actually visualise the songs.

I have compiled a list of Tagore's songs conveying various emotions/moods. These popular 'Robindra-shongeets were used in various popular bengali films as well:

1) http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=z8OmH8-aeyw - 'Ami Path Vola Ek Pothik' - from the film 'Moon Niye' - starring: Uttam Kumar, Supriya. Singers: Hemanta Mukhopadhyay, Asha Bhosle. (Romantic song.)

2) http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=QBtvi1ZjAEc - 'Tumi Robe Nirobe' - from the movie 'Kuheli'. Sung by Hemanta Mukhopadhyay and Lata Mangeskar. Music director - Hemanta Mukhopadhyay. (Hauntingly romantic song.)

3) http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=uyMxHtZ5zPs&feature=related - 'Amar Hridoy Tomar Apon.' (Romantic song.)

4) http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=wsmOdWtjhR4 - 'Ektuku Choa Lage' sung by Aniruddha Sen Gupta. (Romantic song.)

5) http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=C3BvAIOfyJU - 'Sokhi Bhabona Kahare Bole'. Rabindra Sangeet from the film 'Shriman Priththiraj'. Sung by Lata Mangeshkar. (This song is both romantic as well as conveys the pangs of separation - in the film sung by the 'child bride'.)

6) http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=UM-cQB2SyFs&feature=related - 'Ami Chini Go Chine Tomare' from the movie 'Charulata' (1964) - starring: Soumitra Chatterjee, Madhabi Mukherjee. Singer: Kishore Kumar. A Satyajit Ray film based on Rabindranath Tagore's story 'Nastoneer.' (A song conveying both friendship and admiration.)

(this link has english sub-titles.)

7) http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=WfHX5y-xI2w&feature=related - 'Praan Chai Chokku Na Chai'. Robindra-shongeet from the movie 'Alo'. (Another romantic song.)

8) http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=TMEPyNoglis - Robindra-shongeet 'Esho Shyamolo Shundaro'. Rendered by Bhaskar Bagchi. (Captures the love and appreciation for the motherland.)

9) http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=2r5Pnv5Y8qY&feature=related - 'O Aamar Desher Maati'. (Yet another song conveying the love and appreciation for the motherland.)

10) http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=6Qa7uByxSro&feature=related - 'Akash Bhora'...a new age robindra-shongeet sung by Srikanto Acharya. (Expressing the poet's wonderment at the vastness of nature and ultimately feeling one with nature.)

11) http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=tDDZVpiVges&feature=related - 'Aaloker Ei Jharna Dharay'. Rendered by Bhaskar Bagchi. (Seeking enlightenment for the soul and removal of all negativity and prejudice.)

12) http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=9JzpCedkcmk&feature=related - 'Ogo Nodi Apon Bege' - Robindra-shongeet from the film 'Haatebajare' by Tapan Sinha. Sung by Hemanta Mukhopadhyay. Great song, great film, great picturization. (Appreciating nature and comparing oneself with nature.)

13) Shyama: Gitinatto/Dance drama:

http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=bOQou-a7iTo - Part 1

http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=chSbwivYgwM - Part 2

http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=d-lEoOmivME - Part 3

http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=U203h3boz2Q - Part 4

http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=bKKwk7qpCNg - Part 5

http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=7sgztk-Nxlg - Part 6

(To read Shyama, please log on to: http://www.rabindrasangeet.org/shyama/shyama.html - Srutinatok)

14) http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=yIMVrHSW4so&feature=related - 'Bidhir Badhon Katbe Tumi' - Kishor Kumar sings this robindra-shongeet in the movie 'Ghare Baire,' a Satyajit Ray film based on another of Tagore's works. (Patriotic song)

Synopsis of the plot: The story is set in early 20th century India in the estate of the rich Bengali zamindar Nikhil (Victor Banerjee). He lives happily with his beautiful wife Bimala (Swatilekha Chatterjee) until the appearance of his friend and radical revolutionist, Sandip (Soumitra Chatterjee). Sandip, a passionate and active man, is a contradiction to the peace-loving and somewhat passive Nikhil. He easily attracts the innocent and unsuspecting Bimala, thereby creating a love triangle. Although Nikhil figures out what is happening, he being a mature person, grants Bimala the freedom to choose what she wants in her life (as their marriage was arranged when she was a young girl). Meanwhile Bimala experiences the emotions of love for the first time in a manner which helps her understand that it is indeed her husband Nikhil who really loves her.

15) http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=Jl8fDlq4qbU&feature=related - 'Jokhon Porbe Na More' - Robindra-shongeet from the movie Bibhas (1964) starring Uttam Kumar, Chhaya Devi. Music Director and Singer: Hemanta Mukhopadhyay. A perennially enthralling song probably written during Tagore's twilight years.

Over the years a whole gamut of singers have rendered these songs in their own inimitable style - Hemanta Mukhopadhyay, Lata Mangeshkar, Kishore Kumar, Asha Bhosle, Mukesh, Preeti Uttam, to name a few. And each one of them have left their mark on these songs. Distinct marks, indelible marks, which have enriched these songs no end. In the bengali version of these songs, both Lata and Asha's 'touch' is unmistakable. Yet, their 'touch' has only added to the 'sweetness' of the songs and made them more endearing.

Here are a few poems/songs from Tagore's Noble prize winning work 'Gitanjali'. The English translations in all of these poems do not do justice. They fail to capture the 'essence' of the feelings, the thoughts. They fail to reach the 'core', the 'heart' of these poems/songs.

1) http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=b_L8tfWAQPw&feature=related - Gitanjali - Song 1 - 'Amare Tumi Ashesh Korechho'......In the opening line of his translation, Tagore had sanitized the Bengali song's reference to the Vaishnava cult and to the playful dalliance of Lord Krishna with the voluptuous 'gopis' or 'gopikas.' 'Gopi'/'Gopika' is a word of Sanskrit origin meaning 'cow-herd girl'. Tagore had thus misled the Western reader by translating the word 'leela' as 'pleasure', which actually is the English for 'maayaa'. In the current translation, someone has corrected this discrepancy by opting for the word 'amour', instead. This correction is not entirely pedantic. The original Bengali lyrics allude to a 'reincarnation' or 'immortality' theme; whereas, Tagore's translation presents a 'waterfall' or 'top down' view towards life—as was the general Christian consensus in 1912.

Tagore's translation is presented here: "Thou hast made me endless, such is thy pleasure. This frail vessel thou emptiest again and again, and fillest it ever with fresh life. This little flute of a reed thou hast carried over hills and dales, and hast breathed through it melodies eternally new. At the immortal touch of thy hands my little heart loses its limits in joy and gives birth to utterance ineffable. Thy infinite gifts come to me only on these very small hands of mine. Ages pass, and still thou pourest, and still there is room to fill."

2) http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=gGPYT-nqYto&feature=related - Gitanjali - Song 18 - 'Megher Pore Megh Jamechhe' - Although Tagore himself had done a prose translation in English, it has been paraphrased here once again, just to keep the lyrics rhyming to the flow of the music. The song itself is a prime example of how the melody adds colour to Tagore's lyrics, and certainly not the other way around! Tagore had composed this song while on a boat ride and is sung in the raga "miyaan ki maalhaar", in a 'tappaa style' that a contemporary, Nidhu Babu, had borrowed from the vocal music of Punjab. Although the real meaning behind the lyrics is debatable (since the flow of the melody seems to carry us away from Tagore's intricate subtleties), for selecting the graphics someone has interpreted "...andhar kore ashe..." to be a darkening of the mind (instead of light) that brings forth a basal desire in humans. Thus, keeping in line with Tagore's own concept of a Deity with whom he had so often desired corporeal intimacy, this slideshow has been prepared. Not everyone will agree with this revelation, for sure.

Tagore's original translation is presented here: "Clouds heap upon clouds and it darkens. Ah, love, why dost thou let me wait outside at the door all alone? In the busy moments of the noontide work I am with the crowd, but on this dark lonely day it is only for thee that I hope. If thou showest me not thy face, if thou leavest me wholly aside, I know not how I am to pass these long, rainy hours. I keep gazing on the far-away gloom of the sky, and my heart wanders wailing with the restless wind."

3) http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=m3IeLtOjlQE&feature=related - Gitanjali - Song 44 - 'Amar Ei Path-Chaoatei Ananda'. The English translation does not do justice. Someone has paraphrased Tagore's 'Amar Ei Path-Chaoatei Ananda' into modern English.

Here is Tagore's own translation: "This is my delight, thus to wait and watch at the wayside where shadow chases light and the rain comes in the wake of the summer. Messengers, with tidings from unknown skies, greet me and speed along the road. My heart is glad within, and the breath of the passing breeze is sweet. From dawn till dusk I sit here before my door, and I know that of a sudden the happy moment will arrive when I shall see. In the meanwhile I smile and I sing all alone. In the meanwhile the air is filling with the perfume of promise."

4) http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=BxFpiA9xnFA&feature=related - Gitanjali - 'Song Offerings'. Translations made by Tagore himself from his original Bengali works.

The poems of 'Gitanjali' express a largely metaphysical outlook, talking about a union with the "supreme"; but like much western poetry that explores similar themes, the language suggests the union of two earthly lovers. Much of Tagore's ideology comes from the teaching of the Upahishads and from his own beliefs that God can be found through personal purity and service to others. He stressed the need for a new world order based on transnational values and ideas, the "unity consciousness." "The soil, in return for her service, keeps the tree tied to her; the sky asks nothing and leaves it free."

The following link leads to the song 'Amar Mukti Aloy Aloy' from Tagore's Puja (Prayer) chapter of 'Gitabitan':

http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=g8R07HVpLgY - 'Amar Mukti Aloy Aloy' sung here by Keya Chatterjee.

This song focuses on the what, where, and hows of attaining salvation. In fairness to Tagore's belief in an unitarian faith, images of Lord Shiva and Christ have been blended in an attempt to show the concept of "self sacrifice". As always Tagore reigns supreme. The song is absolutely enchanting. Very soothing and evokes remembrances and a mellow mood. The translations were not done by Tagore, but is reasonably good.

Here is the link that leads to Tagore's 'swan song' - 'Ei Kathati Mone Rekho':

http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=_60aVqc9vfA&feature=related - This is someone's English translation of the Robindra-shongeet 'Ei Kathati Mone Rekho'. The lyrics imply that for Tagore, having lived a full life on Earth, it was time for him to depart. Hence, it has been titled as his 'Swan Song'. A true nationalist at heart, perhaps Tagore had a premonition of his departure before India gained independence from the British. Thus he had lamented that although he had led a full life and had accomplished a lot, he nonetheless was handicapped; ergo, had to "walk the land at night"........

This is the link to the same song 'Ei Kothati mone Rekho' from the film 'Chowringhee' (1968) - starring Uttam Kumar. Singer: Manna Dey.

http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=bJA-V8rD_mU

I am a great admirer of Kabiguru Rabindranath Tagore. Infact I would like to take this opportunity and share an incident in my family which has a 'Tagore connection'.

Most bengalis, if not all, are familiar with the names of Shahid Santosh Mitra as well as IIT - Kharagpur.

Santosh Kumar Mitra (1901-1931) was a 'Jugantar' activist. Shot at the Hijli detention camp in 1931 by the camp guards. He was my 'Grand Uncle' (courtesy him being my father's maternal uncle or 'Mama' - the endearing term used in Bengal to address one's mother's brother.)

Note: 'Jugantar' and 'Anushilan' were names of two revolutionary groups who organized under the guise of suburban fitness clubs. Members of these two clubs were volunteer youth groups who committed their lives for the freedom of mother India. 'Jugantar' or 'Yugantar' (meaning: New Era or more literally an Epoch in Transition.) Jugantar carried out many 'terrorist' activities like attempt to murder, murder and looting against the ruling British government of that era. Several Jugantar members were arrested, hanged, or deported for life to the 'Cellular Jail' in Andaman. Due to the amnesty granted after the World War I, most of them were released and gave a new turn to their political career, mainly by joining: (a) Gandhi's Non-cooperation movement (b) Deshabandhu Chittaranjan Das' Swarajya Party (c) the Communist Party of India (d) M.N. Roy's Radical Democratic Party and (e) Subhas Chandra Bose's Forward Bloc.

IIT - Kharagpore, India’s oldest IIT, one cannot miss this old-fashioned building, incongruous beside the glassy modernism of the 'Vinod Gupta School of Management' - 'VGSOM'. Now home to the 'Nehru Museum of Science and Technology', this is the site of the once notorious 'Hijli Detention Camp', where the then British Government incarcerated the political under-trials and convicts (freedom-fighters). 'IIT - Kharagpore' was born on the same premises in 1951. Built in 1913, the building was used later as the 'Midnapore District Collector’s Office'. But, on September 16, 1931, two unarmed detainees/freedom fighters, Santosh Kumar Mitra and Tarakeshwar Sengupta were shot dead here by the British police officers — an incident which provoked the outrage of many freedom-fighters and patriots like Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and Rabindranath Tagore. This was perhaps the only instance when the police fired on convicts inside a jail. Nobody knows the reason for the firing, but the deaths of Sengupta and Mitra became so volatile an issue, it was even raised in the British Parliament. Bose claimed the bodies of the two freedom fighters from the jail on September 17, 1931. The remains were then taken across Calcutta in a procession led by Bose, while Tagore presided over a mass rally at Shahid Minar.

The camp was closed in 1937, re-opened in 1940 to detain freedom-fighters, and closed finally in 1942.

With the legacy of so stirring a history on its own campus, the Kharagpore IIT is not about to let the story fade. Each year, the Institute observes the day the two freedom fighters were shot dead as 'Martyr’s Day'. Since the building is yet to acquire heritage status, it is, for the time being, under the maintainance of the IIT authorities. They are also planning to ask for 'heritage' status for this building, which dates back to 1913. With its impeccable historical lineage, it is something all IITians are proud of, especially since India’s first IIT was set up here, long after the killings were forgotten.

Photograph: A photograph of Kabiguru Rabindranath Tagore.