• sahitya-classes
• May 10, 2025
• 0 Comment

Follow Follow Subscribe Follow Follow WhatsApp Group Join Now

If you are preparing for the UGC-NET/JRF English Literature exam, you must have come across the literary works of our Nobel Prize Winner, Kobiguru Rabindranath Tagore. Yes! As per the Bengali calendar, today marks his 164^th birth anniversary. In Bangla, we call it Pochise Boisakh, which usually falls on May 8 or May 9. As per the Gregorian calendar, Rabindranath was born on May 7, 1861. So, on this day, we are going to compile some interesting facts about our poet and philosopher, R.N. Tagore. This day is usually celebrated in Bengal with huge pomp and show. In West Bengal, his birth anniversary is traditionally celebrated on the 25^th day of the Bengali month, Boisakh, also known as Pochise Boisakh. The rest of India and the world celebrates his birth anniversary on May 7. But in Bangladesh, it was celebrated yesterday on May 8! Quite interesting, isn’t it? Now, this is a part of cultural studies. To mark the significance of this day, schools, colleges, educational institutions and art academies organize a lot of cultural events inspired by Tagore’s works like Rabindra Sangeet performances, poetry recitations, performances of his plays and dance dramas (e.g., Chitrangada, Shyama), art exhibitions, etc.

Why should you read Tagore’s works for UGC-NET/JRF English Literature exam?

Pochise Boisakh is not just a mere celebration of Tagore’s birth anniversary. But it marks the celebration of what India stands for-compassion, creativity, and cultural richness. Any work produced or composed by Tagore is a mark of great expression, a profound voice that weaves emotions of human and nature together. The dualism between nature and humanism converges when we read through his poetry, short stories, novels, and other literary works. He is the starting point of Indian Literature who included both Eastern and Western sentiments just like Sri Aurobindo. While engaging with his works, you will become aesthetically enriched and philosophically sound. You will evolve as a human and transcend every limitation to embrace your act of becoming an empathetic witness to the world’s commotion. You should not only read Tagore because it is a part of your UGC-NET English Literature syllabus, but you should read him to experience literature firmly.

15 Lesser-Known Facts About R.N. Tagore

1. Even after over 160 years, Rabindranath Tagore’s words continue to resonate. His poetry reflects a longing for spiritual liberation, his essays challenge colonial thinking, and his songs carry a message of love, hope, and identity.

He once wrote:

“Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high…”

This line, from his iconic poem Chitto Jetha Bhayshunyo (Where the Mind is Without Fear), still stirs hearts, reminding readers of his unwavering dream for a free, enlightened, and united India.

2. Mahatma Gandhi liked his song Ekla Cholo Re (If They Answer Not to Thy Call, Walk Alone).
3. R.N. Tagore was critical of the Swadeshi Movement, openly challenging in his 1925 essay, The Cult of Charkha.
4. To protest against the Jallianwalla Bagh massacre in 1919, Tagore renounced his knighthood.
5. Tagore’s novels such as Gora, Ghare-Baire, and Chokher Bali, dealt with themes associated with identity, nationalism, and social reform.
6. Tagore wrote several dramas such as Kal Mrigaya, Mayarkhela, Visarjan, Valmiki-Pratibha, and Muktadhara, which address social issues and human emotions through a blend of poetic and theatrical expression.
7. His short-story collections like Galpaguchchhaoffer profound insights into the everyday lives of ordinary people.
8. He established the Visva Bharati University to promote education as a means of global understanding and harmony. His ideals of universal humanism have influenced several thinkers from India and worldwide.
9. The Visva Bharati University is now a UNESCO-recognized World Heritage site as of 2023. It celebrates the blend of art, culture, and education. In 1901, Tagore transformed Shantiniketan into an experimental school where he promoted his idea of open-air education. The open-air education model opposed rigid colonial education and promoted freedom, creativity, and connection with nature.
10. Tagore was also a prolific artist whose paintings and drawings garnered significant recognition. He produced over 2,500 works of art, exploring themes of nature, spirituality, and human emotion.
11. Two of his most notable songs, “Jana Gana Mana” and “Amar Shonar Bangla,” were adopted as the national anthems of India and Bangladesh, respectively.
12. Tagore promoted the idea of holistic education. He believed that education should nurture a student’s over-all growth physically, emotionally, and intellectually. According to him, learning should transcend traditional classroom boundaries and must include learning in a natural environment to create a richer experience. He encouraged self-expression through art forms such as music, dance, drama, and painting, fostering a love for learning that was both innovative and liberating.
13. Tagore’s perspective on education was also cosmopolitan, aiming to nurture a global outlook among students. For this, he founded Visva-Bharati University to blend Indian traditions with international values.
14. In 1913, he made history as the first non-European to win the Nobel Prize in Literature, marking a significant milestone in literary achievement. Tagore, affectionately known as “the Bard of Bengal,” held several accolades, including being a fellow of the Royal Asiatic Society, and earned the titles Gurudev, Kobiguru, and Biswokobifor his contributions.
15. He was a musician who composed over 2,200 songs, collectively known as Rabindra Sangeet, blending classical Indian ragas with modern themes of love, nature, and spirituality. His melodies still echo through every Bengali household and are integral to cultural performances. There are courses on Rabindra Sangeet at higher education level.

Did you like these lesser-known facts about Tagore? Let us know about it in the comments. If you want to get more such detailed blogs on other topics, follow us on our social media channels. If you are looking for the best UGC-NET coaching in Delhi, you can contact us now! For more details, please check the contact information below!

If you want to prepare for the UGC-NET English, you can join Sahitya Classes. At Sahitya Classes, every aspect of the NET exam syllabus for English literature is covered. You will also receive UGC NET notes for English literature along with exclusive UGC-NET online classes. Our new batch will start from January 15, 2025 onwards. If you want to prepare for the UGC-NET English, you can also take our best UGC-NET crash course. In this crash course, you will get PYQs, test series, rapid-fire quiz sessions, mock-tests, live classes, and UGC NET English notes pdf.

Don’t forget to watch our videos on the 15-day exam strategy by Prof. Vineet Pandey. It will boost your exam preparations. Additionally, test-series for Paper 1 and Paper 2 are also available on our app. You can solve them and prepare effectively. So, what are you waiting for? Join now and get personalized guidance from Prof. Vineet Pandey!

For more information, contact our team:

📲 Download the App!
➡️ Android: https://bit.ly/4e82Eha
➡️ iOS: https://bit.ly/4d6IHGK
📞 Contact us today: +91 8587035827 / +91 8595738519

If you are interested in accessing the latest hardcopy and softcopy notes, course syllabus, previous years’ question papers, answer keys, crash courses, Google Drive Course, and wish to receive personal guidance from Prof. Vineet Pandey, please fill out the form!