About Rabindranath Tagore
- Born: 1861 in Calcutta, India
- Nobel Prize: 1913 for "Gitanjali" (Song Offerings)
- Talents: Poet, novelist, philosopher, painter, musician
- National Anthems: Composed India's "Jana Gana Mana" and Bangladesh's "Amar Shonar Bangla"
- Educationalist: Founded Visva-Bharati University
- Advocacy: Supported Indian independence and social reform
- Legacy: His work continues to influence art and culture
- Passing: 1941, but his impact endures
List of some of Rabindranath Tagore's notable works:
- Gitanjali (Song Offerings)
- The Home and the World (Ghare-Baire)
- The Post Office (Dak Ghar)
- Chokher Bali
- Kabuliwala
- The Gardener (Tin Kanya)
- Sadhana: The Realization of Life
- The Wreck (Nauka-Dubi)
- Muktadhara (The Waterfall)
- The Crescent Moon (Chandali)
- The King of the Dark Chamber (Raja)
- Farewell Song (Bidrohi)
"Deeno Daan" is a Bengali poem written by Rabindranath Tagore. Below is the English translation of the poem:
**Deeno Daan**
'The Impoverished Gift'
“There is no god in that temple”, said the Saint.
The King was enraged;
“No God? Oh Saint, aren’t you speaking like an atheist?
On the throne studded with priceless gems, beams the golden idol,
And yet, you proclaim that’s empty?”
“It’s not empty; It’s rather full of the Royal pride.
You have bestowed yourself, oh King, not the God of this world”,
Remarked the saint.
The King frowned, “2 million golden coins
Were showered on that grand structure that kisses the sky,
I offered it to the Gods after performing all the necessary rituals,
And you dare claim that in such a grand temple,
There is no presence of God”?
The Saint calmly replied, “in the very year in which, twenty million of your subjects were struck by a terrible drought;
The pauperized masses without any food or shelter,
came begging at your door crying for help, only to be turned away,
they were forced to take refuge in forests, caves, camping under roadside foliages, derelict old temples;
and in that very year
when you spent 2 million gold to build that grand temple of your’s,
that was the day when God pronounced:
“My eternal home is lit by everlasting lamps,
In the midst of an azure sky,
In my home the foundations are built with the values:
Of Truth, Peace, Compassion and Love.
The poverty stricken puny miser,
Who could not provide shelter to his own homeless subjects,
Does he really fancy of giving me a home?”
That is the day God left that Temple of yours.
And joined the poor beside the roads, under the trees.
Like emptiness of the froth in the vast seas,
Your mundane temple is as hollow.
It’s just a bubble of wealth and pride.’
The enraged King howled,
“oh you sham cretin of a person,
Leave my kingdom this instant’.
The Saint replied calmly,
“The very place where you have exiled the Divine,
Kindly banish the devout too".
--Rabindranath Tagore,
[Translated from the original Bengali into English by Sandipto Das Gupta]
"Deeno Daan," a poem by Rabindranath Tagore, reflects his social and philosophical outlook, emphasizing selfless giving and the spirit of generosity. In this poem, Tagore presents a mentality rooted in compassion, humility, and the idea of serving others without expecting anything in return.
Selfless Giving:
The poem emphasizes the virtue of giving without any selfish motives.
Tagore praises the act of offering and contributing to others with a genuine and open heart.
Humility and Equality:
Tagore's social mentality, as depicted in the poem, values humility and sees all individuals as equal. The act of giving is not about superiority or condescension but stems from a sense of shared humanity.
Spiritual Connection:
There's a spiritual dimension to the poem, where the act of giving is portrayed as a form of worship or a connection with a higher purpose.
Tagore's mentality suggests that selfless giving is a way to transcend material concerns and connect with the divine.
Community and Social Harmony:
The poem reflects Tagore's vision of a harmonious society where individuals support each other. The act of giving is seen as a means to strengthen the bonds within the community and contribute to social well-being.
Renunciation of Materialism:
Tagore's social mentality, as portrayed in "Deeno Daan," involves a certain renunciation of material attachments. The emphasis is on the spiritual and moral value of giving rather than accumulating material wealth.
Celebration of Generosity:
The poem celebrates the joy and fulfillment that comes from the act of giving. Tagore suggests that true happiness is found in selfless actions that benefit others.
Rabindranath Tagore presents a social mentality in "Deeno Daan" that values selfless giving, humility, spiritual connection, community harmony, and the celebration of generosity as essential elements of a meaningful and fulfilling life.
Rabindranath Tagore's poem "Deeno Daan" can be connected to the current times, drawing parallels between the poet's observations and contemporary social issues. Here's a reflection on how the themes of the poem resonate in today's context:
Social Inequality:
In the current times, social inequality persists in various forms. The poem's depiction of the wealthy looking down upon the poor finds resonance in today's society, where disparities in wealth, education, and opportunities are evident.
Refugee Crisis and Empathy:
The poem touches on the theme of empathy and compassion. In the context of the current refugee crisis and displaced populations worldwide, there is a call for understanding and compassion for those in need, echoing the sentiment of the poem.
Exploitation and Marginalization:
The portrayal of the rich mistreating the poor is a theme that can be linked to issues of exploitation and marginalization seen in contemporary society. This includes economic exploitation, unfair labor practices, and the marginalization of certain groups based on race, gender, or socioeconomic status.
Environmental Concerns:
The poem's mention of a single ear of corn gleaned in a field of the rich can be connected to modern environmental concerns. Issues like food waste, unequal distribution of resources, and environmental degradation reflect a parallel to the themes presented in the poem.
Materialism and Spiritual Disconnect:
Tagore's criticism of materialism and the worship of wealth over spiritual values can be related to the consumerist culture prevalent today. The pursuit of material success at the expense of spiritual and ethical considerations remains a relevant topic.
Generosity and Social Responsibility:
The poem underscores the importance of generosity and social responsibility. In today's context, this theme can be linked to the calls for philanthropy, corporate social responsibility, and the idea of giving back to the community.
Humanitarian Crises:
The reference to the poor as the "best lover, the best lisper, the best talker" can be associated with the resilience and strength displayed by individuals facing humanitarian crises today. Their stories often highlight the capacity for love, communication, and resilience in the face of adversity.
Connecting "Deeno Daan" to the current time allows for a reflection on the enduring nature of certain social issues and the continued relevance of Tagore's insights into the human condition. It prompts us to consider how far we have come in addressing these issues and what challenges still remain in building a more compassionate and equitable society.
In Rabindranath Tagore's poem "Deeno Daan," the poet suggests that God does not reside in the temple. This assertion is rooted in Tagore's spiritual philosophy and his critique of certain religious practices.
Social Critique:
Tagore, a social reformer, may be indirectly critiquing societal structures that prioritize the wealthy and neglect the poor. By stating that God is not in the temple, he challenges the conventional norms and urges society to recognize the divine in the marginalized and downtrodden.
Conclusion:
Rabindranath Tagore's assertion in the poem "Deeno Daan" that God does not live in the temple is a reflection of his spiritual philosophy and critique of certain religious practices. The poet emphasizes the significance of humanitarian actions, rejecting mere ritualism and external displays of religious fervor. Tagore's universalist perspective suggests that the divine is not confined to specific places but is present in acts of kindness, compassion, and service to others. The conclusion drawn from the poem encourages a shift towards a more profound, personal, and compassionate spirituality—one that transcends traditional religious boundaries and prioritizes the principles of love, empathy, and selfless giving as the true expressions of devotion.
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