Rabindranathke Nibadita by Sunil Gangopadhyay [Hardcover]

"‘Stay in front, sit, block the way, O Rabindranath Thakur / The intense sharp light from your eyes / Dims the sun of the age.’ — This bold statement, from the poet Achintyakumar Sengupta, seems surprising when he also writes in another poem, ‘I was asleep / You kissed my brow / What a sublime mantra you murmured in my ear.’ For the general reader, this might raise some astonishment. However, for readers familiar with the history of Bengali literature, this statement will not seem contradictory. For the young writers of the Kallol era, opposing Rabindranath was essential to their literary movement. They had to declare this open rebellion to preserve their own existence. If the only form of poetry were ‘Rabindranath poetry,’ then Bengali literature would stagnate, and the path for new writers would be blocked. This is why the young poets of the Kallol group raised their voices in opposition to Rabindranath. Their intention was not to belittle Rabindranath, but rather, in their hearts, they placed him on the throne of excellence, as their works repeatedly demonstrate. This healthy literary movement against Rabindranath was not limited to the Kallol era but has been reflected in later literature as well. At the same time, there has been a continuous acknowledgment of ‘the intoxication in every secluded moment’ and the creation of praise and glorification around him. Herein lies Rabindranath’s victory and supremacy. It is impossible to deny his timelessness, and equally impossible to reject him. Even today, many years after his birth, there has been no decrease in the curiosity and enthusiasm surrounding him. This is evident from the way young writers still adorn his birth anniversary with flowers in magazines and dedicate fresh compositions to his name. On the occasion of Rabindranath’s 125th birth anniversary, a tribute anthology, ‘Dedicated to Rabindranath,’ has been published. This collection includes a selected and representative range of memorable poems written about Rabindranath from his contemporaries to recent times. Starting with a poem by Dwijnedranath Tagore and ending with a poem from the 1970s, it features works by 125 poets. The collection does not merely consist of praise but includes diverse perspectives on how poets have perceived Rabindranath. This anthology is a unique garland of various Rabindranaths."