Mahua – Borderless

Lyrics by Tagore, translation from Bengali by Ratnottama Sengupta

‘Bhumika or Introduction’ is the first song of Tagore’s collection called Mahua, published in 1929.

Ask me not, which song
I have gifted to whom, when...
It's lying on the wayside
For the one who can
Own it with love.

Have you heard my words?
Have you pressed them to your heart?
I know not your name…
I offer you these
Musings of mine.

Rabindranath Tagore (1861-1941) was a brilliant poet, writer, musician, artist, educator – a polymath. He was the first Nobel Laureate from Asia. His writing spanned across genres, across global issues and across the world. His works remains relevant to this day.

Ratnottama Sengupta, formerly Arts Editor of The Times of India, teaches mass communication and film appreciation, curates film festivals and art exhibitions, and translates and write books. She has been a member of CBFC (Certified Board of Film Certification), served on the National Film Awards jury and has herself won a National Award.

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Basket of Offerings by Rabindranath

BASKET OF OFFERINGS Today, in this quiet bower, Within my being My offering has grown Into a garland of light. In this spring, with climbers Of leaves and flowers, My verses waft in the dawn Of the golden rays. My whole being dances Swinging with rhythm. If this song doesn’t find form I will die of shame. Oh beloved, my body reverberates To the beat. I have not got you an external offering, My prayer flows from my own Being like a stream. My heart leaps Free of my being Impatiently pleading A meeting with you. Just as the stars glimmer With light in the dark night, A spark awakens within My body. This luminosity illuminates All my work.