Written in summer of 1899, the poem, ‘Jonmodiner Gaan or Birthday Song’ by Tagore, was later converted to a song, ‘Bhoy Hote Tobo Abhayomaajhe’ (translates as ‘Amidst Fears, May Fearlessness’), by the maestro himself. It can be found in Gitabitan but was published originally as a part of his collection of poems called Kalpana, published in 1900.
BIRTHDAY SONG
Amidst fears, may fearlessness
Find new life, O Lord.
May poverty be erased by inexhaustible wealth,
May doubt give way to the haven of truth,
Inertness to new-born vitality —
Confer upon me new life, O Lord.
Amidst my self-centred desires,
O Lord, may your benevolence
Kindle the yearning for
Your divine work —
Unite us all;
Amidst joys and sorrows,
Help us find peace —
Confer new life upon me, O Lord
Below is a rendition of Tagore’s song, Bhoy Hotey Tobo Abhayo Majjhe, by a well-known modern vocalist, Sahana Bajpaie.
(This poem has been translated by Mitali Chakravarty with editorial support from Sohana Manzoor)
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