President’s Message on the Occasion of Birthday of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee in his message on the occasion of birthday of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore has said: -

"On the occasion of the birthday of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, I join fellow citizens in paying tribute to this great nationalist and thinker who was far ahead of his times.

Tagore was a renaissance personality. Such souls not only illuminate the times they live in, but also remain an inspiration for humanity.

A revered poet, writer, painter, author of our National Anthem, and Asia’s first Nobel laureate in the field of literature, Tagore was a global citizen who believed that one could promote one’s own culture while appreciating the culture of others. He did not see any contradiction between respect for universal values, while maintaining one’s own.

The significance of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore’s philosophy of harmony, peace, love and good-will and his vision of "ONE WORLD” remain relevant today – despite the passage of time. One of the most outstanding creative geniuses of modern India, Tagore’s legacy will always endure.”

This release issued at 1015 hrs