The 164th birth anniversary of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore was marked in Canberra with an evening that combined scholarship, cultural expression, and quiet reverence. Hosted by the High Commission of India in partnership with the Bengali Cultural Association of Canberra, the event was held at the Theo Notaras Multicultural Centre and drew members of the Indian diaspora, local scholars, and Tagore admirers from across the city.
The gathering featured remarks by High Commissioner Gopal Baglay and eminent Australian scholar Dr John Hood, whose decades-long engagement with Bengali literature has made Tagore’s writing more accessible to English-speaking readers. Dr Hood, who has translated several of Tagore’s major works, spoke about the poet’s intellectual depth and moral clarity—qualities that remain relevant across generations and geographies.
Tagore’s legacy was brought to life by members of the Indian-origin Bangla community in Canberra, who performed a series of songs and recitations in Bangla. The performances ranged from devotional verses to lyrical compositions drawn from Gitanjali and Rabindra Sangeet, offering the audience a glimpse into the emotional and philosophical breadth of Tagore’s work.
The evening began with floral tributes at the bust of Rabindranath Tagore, located in the Multicultural Centre foyer, where guests paused to pay their respects. The symbolism was not lost on those present: a Bengali poet-philosopher honoured in Australia’s capital, amid a multicultural setting, by voices spanning continents and generations.
Born on 7 May 1861 in Kolkata, Tagore remains a towering figure in modern Indian thought and art. A poet, composer, playwright, essayist, and painter, his contributions are woven into the cultural memory of South Asia. He was the first non-European to win the Nobel Prize in Literature, in 1913, and his influence has shaped national identities through works like Jana Gana Mana and Amar Shonar Bangla, national anthems of India and Bangladesh, respectively.
For Dr Hood, who began studying Tagore over six decades ago, the event was a reminder of literature’s power to bridge cultures. “Tagore was never a figure of the past,” he said during his address. “He anticipated much of what we now wrestle with—questions of identity, belonging, modernity, and the ethics of education and freedom.”
High Commissioner Baglay praised the efforts of the local Bengali community in keeping Tagore’s spirit alive in Australia. He also acknowledged the ongoing contribution of Australian scholars like Dr Hood in deepening appreciation for Indian literature beyond South Asia.
The evening closed with a short musical finale—voices rising together in harmony, echoing the lines of Tagore’s verse that speak of unity in diversity, compassion amid confusion, and light in moments of darkness.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
