The Malaysian Bengalee Association recently held a musical event in honor of the late Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore, celebrating his enduring influence through an evening of song and dance.
Rabindranath Tagore, a legendary figure from Kolkata, India, is widely acclaimed for his contributions to literature, music, and the arts. Beyond his poetry, Tagore was a prolific playwright, novelist, and composer whose work significantly impacted Bengali culture and beyond. In 1913, he made history as the first Asian to receive the Nobel Prize for Literature.
Tagore passed away in 1941 at the age of 80, but his legacy continues to thrive through his extensive body of work and the cultural impact he left behind.
In tribute to Tagore, the Malaysian Bengalee Association hosted an event titled “Raktakarabi o Rabindranath: Ekaaler Sandhane” at the Tan Sri Jeffrey Cheah Complex in Subang Jaya, Selangor. The event’s centerpiece was a contemporary interpretation of Raktakarabi, one of Tagore’s most significant plays. Originally written between 1923 and 1924 under the title Yaksapuri, the play tells the story of a tyrannical king who exploits his subjects. Central to the narrative is Nandini, a young woman who symbolizes hope and resilience, with the play exploring themes of oppression and the quest for freedom.
The performance featured several talented artists from India, including Debasish Sen Sharma, Tnusree Chakraborty, Sounak Chattopadhyay, and Debamitra Sengupta.
Sukhendu Choudhury, president of the Malaysian Bengalee Association, remarked that the event was a fusion of tradition and contemporary perspectives. “We explored Rabindranath Tagore’s Raktakarabi through a modern lens. We hope it inspires, uplifts, and connects us all in ways that only art can,” he said.
The event also featured performances by children of association members, adding to the evening’s celebration of Tagore’s enduring legacy.