New Delhi (May 9): (Report by Sanatan Mahakud): The Sahitya Akademi hosted a special literary forum to celebrate Rabindranath Tagore’s birth anniversary, focusing on the themes of nature and environment in his writings. 
The event, titled "Rabindranath Tagore: Nature and Environment," featured insightful discussions by eminent scholars and writers.
The program was presided over by renowned English writer Malashri Lal, who highlighted Tagore’s deep connection with nature and music. In her presidential address, she noted that Tagore used to write a poem every year on his birthday, reflecting his profound bond with the natural world. This love for nature inspired him to establish Shantiniketan, an unconventional institution where learning took place amidst greenery. Lal emphasized how Tagore’s stories and poems beautifully depicted nature, making his works timeless. She also expressed happiness that his writings, translated into multiple Indian and foreign languages, continue to inspire environmental consciousness today, especially when nature is facing severe degradation.
Radha Chakravarty, one of the speakers, referenced Gitanjali to illustrate Tagore’s belief in the cyclical relationship between human life and the cosmos. She pointed out how Tagore drew inspiration from even the smallest creatures—spiders, ants, and insects—urging humans to learn from nature. Tagore also emphasized humanity’s responsibility toward preserving the environment. Chakravarty mentioned how he compared Visva-Bharati to ancient tapovans (forests of meditation) and introduced seasonal festivals like Sharad Utsav, Hemant Utsav, Basant Utsav, and Monsoon Utsav to celebrate nature’s rhythms. His opposition to destructive capitalism and large dams, as seen in his work Raktabeej, remains relevant even today.
Reva Som discussed Tagore’s depiction of nature in his songs, noting that 283 of his compositions are dedicated to natural themes. She highlighted how Tagore integrated nature into cultural practices at Shantiniketan, such as celebrating Vishwakarma Divas by promoting local tribal craftsmanship. She concluded her talk by presenting a video of a song from Gitanjali.
The program was presided over by renowned English writer Malashri Lal, who highlighted Tagore’s deep connection with nature and music. In her presidential address, she noted that Tagore used to write a poem every year on his birthday, reflecting his profound bond with the natural world. This love for nature inspired him to establish Shantiniketan, an unconventional institution where learning took place amidst greenery. Lal emphasized how Tagore’s stories and poems beautifully depicted nature, making his works timeless. She also expressed happiness that his writings, translated into multiple Indian and foreign languages, continue to inspire environmental consciousness today, especially when nature is facing severe degradation.
Radha Chakravarty, one of the speakers, referenced Gitanjali to illustrate Tagore’s belief in the cyclical relationship between human life and the cosmos. She pointed out how Tagore drew inspiration from even the smallest creatures—spiders, ants, and insects—urging humans to learn from nature. Tagore also emphasized humanity’s responsibility toward preserving the environment. Chakravarty mentioned how he compared Visva-Bharati to ancient tapovans (forests of meditation) and introduced seasonal festivals like Sharad Utsav, Hemant Utsav, Basant Utsav, and Monsoon Utsav to celebrate nature’s rhythms. His opposition to destructive capitalism and large dams, as seen in his work Raktabeej, remains relevant even today.
Reva Som discussed Tagore’s depiction of nature in his songs, noting that 283 of his compositions are dedicated to natural themes. She highlighted how Tagore integrated nature into cultural practices at Shantiniketan, such as celebrating Vishwakarma Divas by promoting local tribal craftsmanship. She concluded her talk by presenting a video of a song from Gitanjali.
Rekha Sethi spoke about Tagore’s vast literary contributions, mentioning how India’s national anthem reflects his vision of the country through its mountains, rivers, and oceans. Unlike Western ideologies that seek to dominate nature, Tagore’s philosophy embraced harmony with the environment. His poems, paintings, and music were deeply influenced by nature, and stories like Bolai showcased his sensitivity toward deforestation.
K. Sreenivasarao, Secretary of Sahitya Akademi, delivered the welcome address, acknowledging Tagore as one of the greatest personalities of the 20th century whose works remain environmentally significant. The event was conducted by Deputy Secretary Devendra Kumar Devesh.
The discussions reaffirmed Tagore’s enduring legacy as a visionary who saw nature not just as a resource but as a spiritual and cultural force. His teachings continue to inspire sustainable living and environmental stewardship in today’s world.
K. Sreenivasarao, Secretary of Sahitya Akademi, delivered the welcome address, acknowledging Tagore as one of the greatest personalities of the 20th century whose works remain environmentally significant. The event was conducted by Deputy Secretary Devendra Kumar Devesh.
The discussions reaffirmed Tagore’s enduring legacy as a visionary who saw nature not just as a resource but as a spiritual and cultural force. His teachings continue to inspire sustainable living and environmental stewardship in today’s world.
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