Remembering Tagore

The nation entered the new millennium in company of Rabindranath Tagore. Tagore glorified the nation and enriched Bengali language like nobody has done before or after him. He ushered in a new era in Bengali literature and gave it a new dimension. Through him, the world came to know of a language called Bengali and a literature called Bengali literature.  The overpowering influence and the overshadowing impact that Tagore had on our lifestyle and culture, history and philosophy, social thinking and psychological make-up are incomparable to say the least.
Tagore is indisputably the greatest lyricist of all time. A poet of his stature is not seen anywhere else in the world to write lyrics and compose music. His multi-dimensional genius transcended the sub-continental frontiers and introduced him to the world literary arena. Tagore's rare genius attracted W. B. Yeats, a great English poet of his time, who  played an important role in familiarising Tagore to the international community of writers and literary critics.
On his birthday we remember him with all our love and respect. The day reminds us afresh of his timeless contribution to our literature and music. Tagore has bound us with an immortal bond of love and emotion. His sense of humanity and fellow feeling was of paramount dimension. He will be remembered in all our words and deeds. He will last as long as the Bengali language lasts.  

Fariha Saleh
Dhanmondi, Dhaka.