I published some observations in several blogs as to the popularity of Rabindranath Tagore. We the Bengalis deeply respect him for his beautiful writings and songs.

A few words about the Nobel Prize for Rabindranath Tagore:

1. Tagore was presented as an Anglo-Indian before the Nobel Committee. This was never disclosed by Visva Bharati;

2. Ignoring Americans, it was for the first time that the Nobel Prize for literature was awarded to a non-European;

3. Interestingly, Tagore never visited the Swedish Academy for about 7 years even after the award (when he was awarded the Nobel Prize he was in England and not in Calcutta);

4. Tagore never made any contact or speech marking the Nobel Prize (he just made a two-line acknowledgement only);

5. The British Ambassador received Tagore’s Nobel prize in person;

6. The prize medal was home delivered at Jorasanko in Calcutta (or in London?);

7. None of the Nobel Committee members either knew Bengali or ever read Tagore’s writings; and

8. The library of the Swedish Academy had no book by Tagore accessioned in its record at that time. What do these points signify?

I do not want to interrupt any body. I understand that Rabindranath Tagore is sacrilege to many of his fans. But the truth should not be suppressed by way of propaganda.

I cordially welcome the objectively substantiated replies to my above points. In fact, if can get such satisfactory replies then I shall surely stop my project on the subject towards publication of a book. Even Swedish Academy confirmed some of the above points.

By my survey results it appears that 80% of popularity of Rabindranath Tagore is due to his getting the Nobel Prize. At least the facts reveal it. I take this opportunity to say that no book on the history of Bengali Literature ever mentioned even the name of Rabindranath Tagore until 1912 when the poet was about 52 years of age.

My above observations are not based on the figments of imagination but available facts.

Looking forward to objectively substantiated replies with good references, if any.

A.B.M. Shamsud Doulah
G.P.O. Box 351, Dhaka-1000
Bangladesh
shamsuddoulah@yahoo.com

But after reading further the explanation and commentary I
appreciate how delightfully mischievous, lighthearted, and funny the yearning and search for the Beloved can be and am enjoying the words even more. Not quite
getting the meaning is really a gift!

Gratefully chuckling , I remain..

loving you and yours
Qahira

“Ye blessed Creatures, I have heard the call….”

Much Thanks Ivan!