City celebrates Tagore through performances and a rare exhibition

A three-day long celebration of Rabindranath Tagore and his influences was recently celebrated at Kolkata Centre for Creativity. This included musical performances, dance recitals, theatrical productions, a poetry workshop and more. Apart from this, a rare collection of photos from Tagore’s Europe tour, together with Tagore’s stint in Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis’s various residences, like Gupta Nivas and Shashi
Vila.It also displays original letters between Rani Mahalnobis, Pratima Debi, Nirmal Kumari Mahalnobis and Rabindranath Tagore from Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis Memorial Museum and Archives, Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata.
Professor Ishan Chakraborty of Jadavpur University spoke about sorrow and its myriad expressions in the poetry of Rabindranath while Fahim Hussain Chowdhury from Bangladesh sang songs of monsoon.
Speaking about the event, Richa Agarwal, Chairperson of Kolkata Centre for Creativity said, “I am thrilled that this celebration of Rabindranath Tagore’s legacy immersed attendees in his profound contributions to music, theatre, and literature, offering enriching experiences that honoured his timeless influence,” she added, “The celebration was also held at various locations like Rabindra
Bharati University Jorashanko, Uday Shankar Hall and BT Road campus, and featured performances and workshops.”

The highlight of the event were the two plays performed under the guidance of veteran thespian and founder-trustee of Bangalore Little
Theatre, Vijay Padaki. Narrated by Minti Jain, the first one was The Prophet and the Poet, and it focussed on Tagore and Mahatma Gandhi’s perspectives about the then-political situation. The other play, Robi’s Garden, reminded the audience of the love the poet had for nature and the viciousness of the increasing global warming.