Rabindranath Tagore’s body of work is nothing less than a veritable treasure trove. Suffused with artistic brilliance and the light of his humanist philosophy, these works hold the potential to enrich lives. In an effort to bring home such a treasure trove to a greater audience across the globe, West Bengal’s largest private university, Brainware University, has undertaken a unique initiative.
Spearheading this project is the founder-chancellor of the university, Phalguni Mookhopadayay, who helms this audio-visual venture in anecdotal voiceovers and rich renditions of each intricate Rabindrasangeet. He is the also the founder-chairman and managing director of Brainware Consultancy Private Limited and founder-chairman of Webguru Infosystems Private Limited. Sudipta Bhattacharjee, a Fulbright fellow and former Resident Editor of The Telegraph, now an adjunct professor in the Department of Media Science and Journalism, conducted extensive research on Tagore’s music, translated the songs, curated relevant anecdotes and edited all the episodes.
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Tagore once said: “The world speaks to me in colours, my soul answers in music.” Tagore’s lyricism rises above mere poetry and holds a depth of emotion that makes them relevant even today.
Brainware University aptly chose to launch the initiative on May 9 this year, Tagore’s 162nd birth anniversary. The subsequent launch on social media has been hailed with applause and appreciation, the first episode notching up nearly 20,000 views, and counting.
Mookhopadhayay, each of whose renditions is eliciting effusive praise, is absolutely untrained in the nuances of vocal music. He says: “Our goal during the next 100 weeks is to take Tagore’s songs to at least 1,00,000 non-Bengali and Bengali households outside India. With each song you will find its translation in English and some useful information. My request to viewers is to please subscribe to my YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@pmbrainware), like and share the episodes. Do share the link with friends abroad. Help us to promote Tagore’s musical genius to the world.” He is, indeed, carrying this task on his able shoulders, eking out time from a relentlessly hectic schedule as a hands-on chancellor of the university.
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The more interesting aspect is that this initiative is totally home-grown, recorded and produced in Brainware University’s own state-of-the-art studios. Just three episodes old, the project is already receiving positive feedback from around the globe, with viewers impatiently awaiting the next video. The appreciation received across all social media platforms bear testimony to this.
Tagore’s intent with his compositions was not to create new ragas but melodies that did justice to the expressiveness of his poetry. Tagore was also influenced by Bengali folk music – many of his compositions are clearly influenced by this genre.
Tagore’s compositions also played a major role in India’s freedom movement. While he voiced disillusionment over the degeneration of nationalism, two songs composed by him, Jana Gana Mana and Amar Sonar Bangla, are immortalised as the national anthems of India and Bangladesh. Legend has it that after listening to a Tagore song, Ustad Allauddin Khan was inspired to compose his favourite Raga Hemant. Tagore’s music has also had a profound impact on Indian cinema. Many of his songs have been adapted for films, and their emotional depth and lyrical beauty have contributed to the popularity of Indian film music.
Today, Tagore's music continues to resonate with people from all walks of life. His songs are performed at cultural events, religious ceremonies, and social gatherings, reflecting their enduring popularity. His music remains a testament to the power of art to unite people, transcend the boundaries of language and culture, and connect us to the divine.
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The above is a sponsored post, the views expressed are those of the sponsor/author and do not represent the stand and views of Outlook Editorial.
