Rabindranath Tagore. , Photo Courtesy: The Hindu Archives

One book that continues to be discussed, translated and studied in India even after 114 years of its publication is Rabindranath Tagore’s GitanjaliThe Bard of Bengal won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1913, but he was known long before that as a popular writer of short stories, novels, poetry, plays and songs. A huge collection of 157 poems, Gitanjali Has excited people’s imagination like no other. Undoubtedly a literary gem, it has inspired generations of writers and artists because of the way Tagore expressed his thoughts and feelings through verses. Teacher and writer Santosh Kana has recently launched an audio series ‘Tagore’s Gitanjali – A Musical Pilgrimage’ consisting of 18 poems. His soothing narration is supported by melodious sitar music. He spent three to four years choosing poems and suitable ragas for each. In an interview, Santosh shared his excitement of putting together this series based on the book he grew up reading.

Shantiniketan Photo Courtesy: Rabindra Bhavan Archives

What inspired you to create the audio series and how did you think of using Indian classical music?

since i started reading Gitanjali During my school days, I was immediately attracted to it, and was able to connect with the poetic and philosophical depth of the work. I wanted to share this with people and found music to be one of the most natural tools for this expression. Hence, the choice of sitar for the background score. The book-like device is clearly Indian.

There is lyrical richness in Tagore’s writings, Gitanjali is a good example of it. The Bengali original is quite musical and Tagore even prepared notes for each poem. Rabindra Sangeet, the school of music started by Tagore, is an incredible confluence of musical tributaries from different countries and languages. The initial effort was to understand the emotions, mood and imagery evoked by each poem. Creating background music to suit the structure, flow and emotional intensity of the poem was a key part of the process.

Rabindranath Tagore’s Gitanjali is a collection of 157 poems.

What elements do you consider essential to maintaining the integrity of the original?

First and foremost is my subjective experience of the text. That’s why every reader’s journey is different; It opens a new door for work. For me, Gitanjali has a meditative and deeply contemplative tone and so I have decided to capture and convey this in my series. I am overwhelmed by the response to my vision of blending music, sound and visuals. You know how honest Santiniketan and Tagore lovers can be. One of the best comments I received was from Amartya Mukherjee, a faculty member of the drama department at Visva Bharati. He said, “This is a great example of music therapy.” I would like to give special credit to Anandu Pai, who composed the music, and Paulson KJ, who played the sitar.

Santosh Kana has selected 18 poems from Gitanjali for his audio series ‘Tagore’s Gitanjali – A Musical Pilgrimage’. , Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Can you share the thought process behind choosing specific poems? What attracted you to these pieces?

since i read Gitanjali In English Many times, when undertaking such a project, I wanted to select verses that could capture the essence of the major philosophy of the book. It would have been difficult and a huge task to capture all the poems in a musical format. I felt that way. So, I selected 18.

How do you see the timelessness of Tagore’s poetry, and how does it speak to today’s world?

As the years pass, any given author or artwork is revisited, each iteration in a new and contemporary format. Tagore’s perspective will remain relevant at all times. He did not advocate any kind of spiritual escape from life, but emphasized on facing challenges gracefully and understanding life in its comprehensive totality. in poems Gitanjali Connect us to nature and fellow humans – awaken empathy and sensitivity. Tagore’s poems expressing his view on holistic education are also relevant. Gitanjali There is a call to create a more compassionate world, where there are no narrow walls of sects and beliefs, where rational thinking replaces blind faith.