First Lady pays musical tribute to Rabindranath Tagore

New Delhi, May 9: Rabindranath Tagore, the first Nobel laureate from India was remembered on his 152nd birth anniversary through a special musical tribute led by none other than President Pranab Mukherjee's wife Suvra Mukherjee.

The First Lady, an accomplished Rabindra Sangeet singer, opened a soiree of songs based on Tagore's works as part of "Rabindra Janmo Jayanti" organised by Sparsh Natya Rang theatre group, Geetanjali troupe here on Wednesday evening. Prominent among those who attended the event were Chief Minister Shiela Dixit, Gursharan Kaur, wife of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, MP and actor Hema Malini, Mithun Chakroborty and singer Shaan Mukherjee.

"Suvra Mukherjee rendered two lines from the solo "Nomo...Nomo...Nomo" song, an invocation to Tagore to begin the programme following up with several duets and group songs by a choir of eight singers," said Ajit Chowdhury, who coordinated the programme. Next up was the number "Hey Nuton, Dekha Dik Baar baar... with dancers sitting among the audience coming to the stage and offering flowers to Tagore's portrait.

The numbers "Mahabishwe Mahaakaashe" and "Aaloker Ei Jhorna Dhara Ye" expressed wonder at the vastness of the universe and the magnanimity of the Almighty. It was followed by a patriotic song "O Aamaar Desher Maati." Dancers danced to "Bhenge Mor Ghar Er Chaabi" where God was personified as love as well a rain song and solo dance "Mor Bhaabonaare ki hawa" was performed. The Geetanjali troup founded in 1982 by Suvra Mukherjee comprises music enthusiasts and professionals from an array of diverse fields.

They have staged performances in different parts of India and abroad. "The troupe was disbanded and it has been only three years ago that it regrouped. Some of the members had to be persuaded to rejoin the troupe, but all of them are unanimous in their love for music, dance and other arts," said Chowdhury.

Meanwhile, the event paid tribute to the wide and diverse spectrum of Tagore's compositions which unfold the myriad hues of his creativity, the emotive appeal of his thoughts and the versatility of his genius.

"Harmony is what Tagore consistently focused on. His compositions take us on a spiritual quest and gives us a glimpse of the infinite amidst the finite, unity at the heart of all diversity and the divine across the whole universe," said M K Mookherjee, Additional PS to the President. The programme was interlaced together with selections of recitations scripted by Suhrita Basak.

PTI