Context: 

Convocation of the Visva Bharati University at Santiniketan in West Bengal was held recently.

About Rabindranath Tagore:

• Rabindranath Tagore was a prominent Indian poet, philosopher, educationist, and musician who lived from 1861 to 1941. 
• He was known by several names, including ‘Gurudev’, ‘Kabiguru’, and ‘Biswakabi’. 

• Early Life and Literary Career:

• • Rabindranath Tagore published his first poems when he was just 16 years old, under the pen-name ‘Bhanusimha’.
  • He is known for composing over 2000 songs, which are called ‘Rabindra Sangeet’.
  • His notable works include Gitanjali, Ghare-Baire, Gora, Manasi, Balaka, and Sonar Tori.

• National Anthems and Awards:

• • Rabindranath Tagore not only gave the national anthems for two countries, India and Bangladesh, but also inspired a Ceylonese student of his to pen and compose the national anthem of Sri Lanka.
  • In 1913, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for his work on Gitanjali. He was the first non-European to receive this prestigious award.
  • In 1915, he was awarded knighthood by the British King George V. However, following the Jallianwalla Bagh massacre in 1919, he renounced his Knighthood.

• Philosophy and Education:

• • Rabindranath Tagore was not only a literary genius, but also a philosopher and educationist.
  • In 1921, he established the Visva-Bharati University, which challenged conventional education and encouraged creativity and freedom of thought.

• Friendship with Mahatma Gandhi:

• • Rabindranath Tagore was a good friend of Mahatma Gandhi and is said to have given him the title of Mahatma.

News Source: The Hindu