The first Non-Westerner to win a Nobel Prize is an understatement to describe the genius of Rabindranath Tagore (1861-1941). An unparalleled poet, writer, philosopher, artist — a polymath — these are mere encomiums. He was a person who visualised a world beyond his times, a humanitarian who wanted to bring out the best in mankind with his writings and Santiniketan. What we see of his writings in the virtual world is an insignificant bit. What we are attempting to do here is to translate his prose and translate or transcreate his poetry, for a literal translation sometimes does not do adequate justice to his poetry, and to bring his thoughts, his ideas closer to readers in the virtual world. Across all borders, let us unite in thoughts.
In an attempt to imbibe the perfection of his poetry, we have tried our best to use precise words. We invite you to give us feedback for our efforts at editor@borderlessjournal.com. We are happy to entertain your comments too in the comments section.
Presenting our selection of & on Tagore:
In His Own Words…
An excerpt from Rabindranath Tagore’s ‘The Child‘, a poem originally written in English by the poet. Click here to read.
Songs and Poems
Songs translated by Aruna Chakravarti
We launch our Tagore section with the translation of seven of his songs by the gifted Sahitya Akademi winning translator and author, Aruna Chakravarti. Click here to read.
- Tomar eyi Madhuri Chaapiye ( This Loveliness of Yours…)
- Jibon Moroner Shimana Charay ( Beyond the Horizons of Life and Death..)
- Esho Shyamalo Shundoro ( Come, Dark, Beauteous One)
- Asha Jaaoar Pother Dhare (By the Path)
- Shopney Amar Money Holo ( I Thought in my Dream)
- Amra Notoon Jibonyeri Doot (We are the New Youth)
- Amar Bela Jey Jaay (My Day Wanes)
Songs of Seasons: Translated by Fakrul Alam
Bangla Academy literary award winning translator, Dr Fakrul Alam, translates seven seasonal songs of Tagore. Click here to read.
- Garland of Lightening Gems (Bajromanik Diye Gantha)
- In The Thunderous Clouds (Oi Je Jhorer Meghe)
- The Tune of the New Clouds (Aaj Nobeen Megher Shoor Legeche)
- The Sky’s Musings (Aaj Akashe Moner Kotha)
- Under the Kadamba Trees (Esho Nipo Bone)
- Tear-filled Sorrow (Ashrubhara Bedona)
Endless Love: Tagore Translated by Fakrul Alam
Ananto Prem (Endless Love) by Tagore, translated from Bengali by Professor Fakrul Alam. Click here to read.
Giraffer Baba (Giraffe’s Dad), a short humorous poem by Tagore, has been translated from Bengali by Professor Fakrul Alam. Click here to read.
Oikotan (Harmonising) has been translated by Professor Fakrul Alam and published specially to commemorate Tagore’s Birth Anniversary. Click hereto read.
Monomor Megher O Shongi (or The Cloud, My friend) has been translated by Professor Fakrul Alam. Click here to read.
Professor Fakrul Alam has translated Tomra Ja Bolo Tai Bolo, Hridoy Chheele Jege and Himer Raate — three songs around autumn from Click here to read.
Tagore’s Achhe Dukhu, Achhe Mrityu, (Sorrow Exists, Death Exists) has been translated from Bengali by Fakrul Alam. Click here to read.
Tumi Kon Kanoner Phul by Tagore and Anjali Loho Mor by Nazrul, love songs by the two greats, have been translated from Bengali by Professor Fakrul Alam. Click here to read.
Songs from Bhanusingher Padabali: Translated by Radha Chakravarty
Two songs by Tagore written originally in Brajabuli, a literary language developed essentially for poetry, has been translated by Radha Chakravarty. Click here to read.
- Gahana Kusuma Kunja Majhe (Amidst the Densely Flowering Bower)
- Shaongagane Ghora Ghanaghata ( The Dark Monsoon Skies)
Colour the World: Translated by Ratnottama Sengupta
Rangiye Diye Jao, a song by Tagore, transcreated by Ratnottama Sengupta. Click here to read.
Bhumika (Introduction) by Tagore has been translated by Ratnottama Sengupta. Click here to read.
‘Udbhranto sei adim juge (In that bewildering ancient time)’ has been translated by Debali Mookerjea-Leonard. Click here to read.
On behalf of Borderless Journal
Esho, He Baisakh, Esho Esho (Come Baisakh: A song to welcome the Bengali New Year) Click here to read.
Tagore Songs in Translation. Click here to read the next five.
- Kothao Amar Hariye Jawa Nei Mana ( Losing myself)
- Akash Bhora Shurjo Tara (The Star-studded Sky)
- Krishnokoli ( Inspired by a girl who lives in a village)
- Phoole Phoole Dhole Dhole (The Swaying Flowers)
- Shaongagane Ghora Ghanaghata (Against the Monsoon Skies, Brajbuli to English)
Tagore’s Diner Sheshe Ghoomer Deshe (At the close of the day, in the land of sleep).Click here to read the translation.
Tagore’s Amar Shonar Horin Chai (I want the Golden Deer). Click here to read the translation.
Tagore’s long poem, Dushomoy (translated as Journey of Hope though literally the poem means bad times). Click here to read the poem in English and listen to Tagore’s voice recite his poem in Bengali. We also have a sample of the page of his diary where he first wrote the poem as ‘Swarga Pathhe'(On the Path to Heaven).
Deliverance by Tagore: ‘Tran’ by Tagore, a prayer for awakening of the subjugated. Click here to read the translation.
Abhisar by Tagore: A story poem about a Buddhist monk by Rabindranath Tagore in Bengali. Click here to read the translation.
Amaar Nayano Bhulano Ele describes early autumn when the festival of Durga Puja is celebrated. Click here to read the translation from Bengali.
Morichika or Mirage by Tagore is an early poem of the maestro that asks the elites to infringe class divides and mingle. Click here to read the translation from Bengali.
Purano Sei Diner Kotha or ‘Can old days ever be forgot?’ based on Robert Burn’s poem, Auld Lang Syne. Click here to read the translation.
Aaji Shubhodine Pitaar Bhabone or On This Auspicious Day, a Brahmo Hymn. Click here to read the translation.
Raatri Eshe Jethay Meshe or Where the Night comes to Mingle , a song written in 1910. Click here to read the translation.
Anondodhara Bohichche Bhubone (The Universe reverberates with celestial ecstasy), a song …Click here to read the translation.
Ebar Phirao More (Take me Back) a poem… Click here to read the translation.
Lukochuri has been translated from Bengali as Hide and Seek. Click here to read the translation.
Taal Gaachh or The Palmyra Tree, a lilting light poem, has been translated from Bengali. Click here to read the translation.
Nobobarsha or New Rain, a poem describing the rain transports one to Tagore’s world. Click here to read the translation.
Hobe Joye has been translated as Song of Hope for that is exactly what it is in spirit. Click here to read.
Eshechhe Sarat, a poem describing autumn in Bengal, has been translated as Autumn. Click here to read the translation.
Aalo Amar Aalo is a paean to light and its impact on us. Click here to read the translation.
Tomar Shonkho Dhulay Porey (your conch lies in the dust), is an inspirational poem to shed apathy. Click here to read the translation.
Prothom Diner Shurjo (The Sun on the First day) is one of the last poems of Tagore. Click here to read the translation.
Banshi or Flute is an inspirational poem delving into the relationship with the divine muse. Click here to read the translation.
Somudro or Ocean has probably been written during Tagore’s travels. Click here to read the translation.
Borondala (Basket of Offerings) is a poem of ecstasy. Click here to read the translation.
Nobo Borsho or New Year, is a poem written on the Bengali New Year, urging people to rid themselves of past angst. Click here to read the translation.
Bhoy hote tobo is the first Birthday Song by Tagore, a poem written in 1899. Click here to read the translation.
Pran or Life, a poem that reflects the poets outlook on life. Click here to read the translation.
Megh or Cloud is a poem about clouds with spiritual undertones reflecting transience . Click here to read.
Proshno or Question with its poignant overtones continues relevant to this date. Click here to read.
Sharat or Autumn, describes Bengal in the season of sharat or early autumn. Click here to read.
Amra Bedhechhi Kasher Guchho (We have Tied Bunches of Kash) is a hymn to an autumnal goddess. Click here to read.
Tomar Kachhe Shanti Chabo Na (I Will Not Pray to You for Peace) is a song that inspires to survive the dark phases of life. Click here to read.
Tagore’s 1400 Saal (The Year 1993), was read in London in 1993, including Tagore’s own rather brief translation and had a response from Nazrul. Click here to read.
Prarthona or Prayer is a poem in which the poet seeks inner strength. Click here to read.
Tagore’s Dhoola Mandir or Temple of Dust is a poem that questions norms, even from the current times. Click here to read.
Phalgun or Spring describes spring in Bengal. Click here to read.
Pochishe Boisakh (25th of Baisakh) is a birthday poem Tagore wrote in 1922 and from he derived the lyrics of his last birthday song written in 1941. Click here to read.
Chhora or Rhymes , a poem describing the creative process, it was written in 1941. Click here to read.
Okale or Out of Sync gives a glimpse of how out of sync situations are also part of our flow. Click here to read.
Mrityu or Death dwells on Tagore’s ability to accept death as a reality. Click here to read.
Olosh Shomoy Dhara Beye (Time Flows at an Indolent Pace) reflects his perspective on history. Click here to read.
Suprobhat or Good Morning gives an unusual interpretation to morning. Click here to read.
Andhokaarer Utso Hote (From the Fount of Darkness) is an inspiring lyrical hymn with current relevance. Click here to read.
Phul Photano (Making Flowers Bloom) can be seen as a metaphor of living and growing. Click here to read.
Shotabdir Surjo Aji ( The Century’s Sun today) describes the current world surprisingly well. Click here to read.
Probhat (Dawn) reflects his awe at the splendour of a natural phenomenon. Click here to read.
Kheya or Ferry, is a metaphorical and philosophical poem. Clickhere to read.
Esho Bosonto, Esho Aj Tumi (Come Spring, Come Today) invokes the healing powers of spring. Click here to read.
Pochishe Boisakh Cholechhe (The twenty fifth of Boisakh draws close…) is a birthday poem reflective of his life. Click here to read.
Asha or Hope is a reflection on the idea of hope. Click here to read.
Sonar Tori (Golden Boat), a deeply philosophical poem, is the titular poem of the same name. Click here to read.
Probhatey (In the Morning) is a pensive poem set in the monsoons. Click here to read.
Shaishabshanda (Childhood’s Dusk) explores dusk, childhood and a mother’s love. Click here to read.
Aaj Shororter Aloy (Today, in the Autumnal Light) mingles nature and philosophy. Click here to read.
Shukh (Happiness) is a philosophical take on the elusiveness of happiness, especially when you try to give that to others. Click here to read.
Sheeth or Winter is a playful take on winter with a glance at spring. Click here to read.
Jatri (Passenger) is a philiosphical take on life. Click here to read.
Tagore Prose in Translation
Rabindranath Tagore’s Ekti Khudro Puraton Golpo (One Small Ancient Tale) from his collection Golpo Guchcho ( literally, a bunch of stories) has been translated by Nishat Atiya. Click here to read.
2. Bolai
Story of nature and a child translated by Chaitali Sengupta. Click here to read.
Excerpted from Rabindranth Tagore. The Land of Cards: Stories, Poems and Plays for Children, translated by Radha Chakravarty, with a foreword from Mahasweta Devi. Click here to read
4. Library
A part of Bichitro Probondho (Strange Essays) by Rabindranath Tagore, this essay was written in 1885, translated by Chaitali Sengupta. Click here to read.
An excerpt from ‘Kobi’ and ‘Rani’: Memoirs and Correspondences of Nirmalkumari Mahalanobis and Rabindranath Tagore, translated by Somdatta Mandal, showcasing Tagore’s introduction and letters. Click here to read.
6. Travels & Holidays: Humour from Rabindranath
Translated from the original Bengali by Somdatta Mandal, these are Tagore’s essays and letters laced with humour. Click here to read.
7. Letters from Japan, Europe & America
An excerpt from letters written by Tagore from Kobi & Rani, translated by Somdatta Mandal. Click hereto read.
8. Playlets by Rabindranath Tagore
Two skits that reveal the lighter side of the poet. They have been translated from Bengali by Somdatta Mandal. Click here to read.
9. Rabindranath Tagore Four Chapters
An excerpt from a brilliant new translation by Radha Chakravarty of Tagore’s controversial last novel Char Adhyay. Click here to read.
A humorous skit by Rabindranath, translated by Somdatta Mandal. Click here to read.
11. The Funeral
A satirical skit by Tagore, translated by Somdatta Mandal. Click here to read.
12. Tagore’s Gleanings of the Road
Book excerpt brilliantly translated by Somdatta Mandal. Click here to read.
13. The Welcome
A skit by Tagore, has been translated by Somdatta Mandal. Click here to read.
14. The Treatment of an Ailment
A humorous skit has been translated by Somdatta Mandal. Click here to read.
15. Farewell Song
An excerpt from Radha Chakravarty’s translation of Tagore’s novel. Click here to read.
16. Aparichita by Tagore
This short story has been translated as The Stranger by Aruna Chakravarti. Click here to read.
17. Musalmanir Galpa (A Muslim Woman’s Story)
This short story has been translated by Aruna Chakravarti. Click here to read.
18. Baraf Pora (Snowfall)
This narrative gives a glimpse of Tagore’s first experience of snowfall in Brighton and published in the Tagore family journal, Balak (Children), has been translated by Somdatta Mandal . Click here to read.
19. Himalaya Jatra ( A trip to Himalayas)
This narrative about Tagore’s first trip to Himalayas and beyond with his father, has been translated from his Jibon Smriti (1911, Reminiscenses) by Somdatta Mandal. Click here to read.
20. Raja O Praja or The King and His Subjects, an essay by Tagore, has been translated by Himadri Lahiri. Click here to read.
21. An excerpt from Tagore’s long play, Roktokorobi or Red Oleanders, has been translated by Professor Fakrul Alam. Click here to read.
22. Tagore’s essay, Classifications in Society, has been translated by Somdatta Mandal. Click here to read.
Reactions on Tagore
From Nazrul
Nazrul’s Ghumaite Dao Shranto Robi Re (Let Robi Sleep in Peace) has been translated from Bengali by Professor Fakrul Alam. Click here to read.
Nazrul’s rejoinder to Tagore’s 1400 Saal has been translated from Bengali by Professor Fakrul Alam. Click here to read.
Discussion
Rabindranath Tagore: A Universal Bard.
This conversation between Aruna Chakravarti and Sunil Gangopadhyay that took place at a Tagore Conference organised by the Sahitya Akademi in Kochy in 2011. Click here to read.
Sriniketan: Tagore’s “Life Work”
In Conversation with Professor Uma Das Gupta, Tagore scholar, author of A History of Sriniketan, where can be glimpsed what Tagore considered his ‘life’s work’ as an NGO smoothening divides between villagers and the educated. Click here to read. (Review & Interview).
Essays/Musings
The Myriad Hues of Tagore by Aruna Chakravarti
Aruna Chakravarti writes on times and the various facets of Tagore. Click here to read.
Discovering Rabindranath and My Own Self
Professor Fakrul Alam muses on the impact of Tagore in his life. Click here to read.
The Older I get, the More Youthful Feels Tagore
Asad Latif gives a paean in prose to the evergreen lyrics of Tagore. Click here to read.
Ratnottama Sengupta talks of Tagore and cinema. Click here to read.
Rabindranath’s Monsoonal Music
Professor Fakrul Alam brings to us Tagore songs in translation and in discussion on the season that follows the scorching heat of summer months. Click here to read.
Tagore’s Last Birthday Celebration
This has been excerpted from Aruna Chakravarti’s Daughters of Jorasanko. It includes has her translation of the last birthday song he wrote in 1941 a few months before he died. Click here to read.
My Favourite Book by Fakrul Alam
Fakrul Alam writes about evolution of his passion for Gitabitan and translation. Click here to read.
Mahasweta Devi, Our Santiniketan
An excerpt from Mahasweta Devi, Our Santiniketan. Translated from the Bengali by Radha Chakravarty. Click here to read.
Ratnottama Sengupta muses as she translates a Tagore’s song. Click here to read.
The Idea of India: Bharata Bhagya Bidhata – The Making of a Motherland
Anasuya Bhar explores the history of the National Anthem of India, composed by Tagore in Bengali and translated only by the poet himself and by Aruna Chakravarti. Click here to read.
Bhaskar Parichha explores Tagore’s interactions with Odisha, his impact on their culture and the impact of their culture on him. Click here to read.
Tagore and Guru Nanak’s Vision
Parneet Jaggi talks of the influence Guru Nanak on Tagore, his ideology and poetry. Click here to read.
Rabindranath and the Etchings of His Mind
Anasuya Bhar explores the various lives given to a publication through the different edited versions, translations and films, using Tagore as a case study and the work done to provide these online. Click here to read.
A Tale of Devotion and Sacrifice as Opposed to Jealousy and Tyranny
Sohana Manzoor explores the social relevance of a dance drama by Tagore, Natir puja. We carry this to commemorate Tagore’s birth anniversary. Click here to read
At Home in the World: Tagore, Gandhi and the Quest for Alternative Masculinities
Meenakshi Malhotra explores the role of masculinity in Nationalism prescribed by Tagore, his niece Sarala Debi, Gandhi and Colonials. Click here to read.
When West meets East, Greatness Blooms
Debraj Mookerjee reflects on how syncretism impacts greats like Tagore,Tolstoy, Emerson, Martin Luther King Jr, Gandhi and many more. Click here to read.
Mozid Mahmud explores Kabir and his impact on Tagore, which ultimately led to a translation of the great medieval poet. Click here to read.
Snigdha Agrawal recalls how their family celebrated Tagore’s birth anniversary. Click here to read.
Book reviews
Meenakshi Malhotra revisits Radha Chakravarty’s translation of Tagore’s Farewell Song. Click here to read.
Meenakshi Malhotra reviews Tagore’s Four Chapters translated and introduced by Radha Chakravarty. Click here to read.
Meenakshi Malhotra reviews Tagore’s Gleanings of the Road translated by Somdatta Mandal. Click here to read.
Rakhi Dalal revisits Tagore’s The Post Office, translated from Bengali in 1912 by Devabrata Mukherjee. Click here to read.
Meenakshi Malhotra reviews Mahasweta Devi, Our Santiniketan translated by Radha Chakravarty. Click here to read.
Somdatta Mandal’s ‘Kobi’ and ‘Rani’: Memoirs and Correspondences of Nirmalkumari Mahalanobis and Rabindranath Tagore reviewed by Himadri Lahiri. Click here to read.
Somdatta Mandal’s The Last Days of Rabindranath Tagore in Memoirs, a translation from a conglomeration of writings from all the Maestro’s caregivers and the poet himself, reviewed by Meenakshi Malhotra. Click here to read.
Bidyut Chakrabarty’s Socio-political Thought of Rabindranath Tagore, published by Sage India, reviewed by Bhaskar Parichha. Click here to read.
Bashabi Frasers’ Critical Lives: Rabindranath Tagore, published by Speaking Tiger, reviewed by Bhaskar Parichcha. Click here to read. Click here to read.
Poetry Inspired by Tagore
United Kingdom
Mike Smith wrote a poem on Tagore’s ideology in paying a Tribute To Tagore. Click here to read
Korea
Ihlwha Choi spent some time in Santiniketan and here are poems he wrote in reaction to his observations near the ‘home of R.Tagore’, as he names Santiniketan and the Kobiguru.
Click here to read Universal Language
Click here to read Dangerous Coexistence
Click here to read Homecoming
India
Himadri Lahiri wrote the historic descent of the country from Tagore and Maharishi Debendranath’s time in verse, Then Came the King’s Men. Click here to read.
Sunil Sharma pays tribute to Tagore in Mystical reconnections: Reading Tagore. Click here to read.
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