Antananarivo: The famous poem of Rabindranath Tagore ‘Where the mind is without fear’ from ‘Gitanjali’ was recited in English by Ambassador Abhay Kumar, in Malagasy by Dr Nalisoa Ravalitera and in French by Soambinintsoa Andrianary, during Tagore’s birth anniversary celebrations at the Embassy of India here today as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav(AKAM). On this occasion, the Embassy also organised the 16th Edition of its monthly literary programme LaLitTanà.
Poets from Madagascar who participated in this 16th Edition of LaLitTanà included Faribolana Sandratra like Haintso Nirina, Rija A-Jonah, Rakemba, Lova Santatra, Tolotra Arinandrianina, RaNirhy, Zara Ainga, Ratsimba Ny Dina and Ratsimbazafy Heriarilala Andriamamonjy.
Besides, François Rajaoson, President of Malagasy Academy, Dr Nalisoa RAVALITERA, Vice President of the Malagasy Academy, Hobiana, the Honorary President of the Union of Writers of Madagascar and literary circle Havatsa Upem Arivonimamo, poets university students and the members of the Indian community, attended the programme.
Speaking about the life of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, Ambassador Abhay Kumar said- “Rabindranath Tagore was a great poet, writer and artist. He was the first non-European to win the world’s most prestigious Nobel Prize for Literature in 1913. He was one of the architects of modern India and played a vital role in the Indian cultural renaissance.”
Ambassador also shared his experience with the audience when he delivered a lecture at the Malagasy Academy last year, the President of the Academy Pr. François Rajaoson told him that Madagascar’s national poet Jean-Joseph Rabearivelo was inspired by the poetry of Rabindranath Tagore and later Ambassador found that Jean Joseph Rabearivelo had mentioned Tagore in his poem no.15 from his poetry collection ‘Translated from the Night’.
On this occasion, floral tributes were offered to Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore by the Ambassador, the President of the Malagasy Academy, poets and the members of the Indian diaspora. A short movie on the life of Rabindranath Tagore was also screened on this occasion.
– global bihari bureau
