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Tagore's thoughts and philosophy on death

An evening of Tagore songs at Alliance Francaise
2 August 2006, 18:00 PM
LIFESTYLE
By Cultural Correspondent
2 August 2006, 18:00 PM
A frail Tagore lost in thought
It was midnight when Rabi, who would one day become Kabiguru Rabindranath Tagore, was woken up and told his mother had died. He was too young to feel anything. But when he saw his mother's lifeless body wrapped in white, being brought out of the house he felt frightened, anticipating that he would never see her again. As he grew up and encountered many more deaths of his dear ones -- of father, siblings, sister-in-law, wife and daughter -- death assumed different meanings for him on different occasions. And not all of them are associated with fear or pang. "Tagore also saw in death the opportunity to attain nearness with God, so death is welcome there," points out Rezwana Chowdhury Banya, one of the most celebrated Tagore singers of the country.

Banya along with Laisa Ahmed Lisa, Mohiuzzaman Chowdhury and students of music school 'Surer Dhara' presented a selection of the songs yesterday, that reflect Tagore thoughts on death. The venue: Alliance Francaise. Unesco Bangladesh, arranged the musical soiree titled Rabindranather Gaan-e Mrityu Bhabna to commemorate Tagore's 65th death anniversary.

Whether one is happy or sad, engulfed in frustration or blessed with unexpected fortune, Tagore has songs to match every situation. His songs often help us get over difficulties and stay resolute against adversaries. The experience of seeing a dear one die is universal and thus everyone can relate to these death-related songs of his. "Through our presentation we will try to expose the audience to the great wealth of Tagore's songs that depict Tagore's thoughts and philosophy on death," Banya observed.

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The programme was open to all.