Tagore and Ray Honored at MFAH

A Report by Ruchi Mukherjee

The 150th birth anniversary of Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore is being celebrated across West Bengal, India and Houston is not far behind in the celebrations, making strong efforts to recognize him and spread the word. It was an absolute honor for Indians, on Friday June 10, 2011, as the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston hosted the works of Tagore and of legendary film director Satyajit Ray to celebrate the centenary of poet Rabindranath Tagore.

The evening was made possible because of the efforts made by The Tagore Society of Houston. The organization that envisions to fulfill Tagore’s dream of a borderless world. “This is a great attempt made by the TSH having MFAH to showcase Rabindranath Tagore’s work and direction of Satyajit Ray, both of them are my favorites,” says Houston based writer Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni.

Tagore who influenced many hearts from Mahatma Gandhi, Audrey Hepburn, Satyajit Ray, Albert Einstein, Indira Gandhi and many others, was born in May 1861 and was the first Asian to receive a Nobel Prize in 1913.

Ladies in crisp cotton and pure silk saris gathered at the museum to enjoy the works of Tagore in a packed auditorium with culturally diverse film lovers. An ardent fan of Rabindranath and an award winning writer and poet, Chitra introduced the audience to Tagore and his works. “I feel so honored to be considered to introduce someone like Tagore,” she says, “and this is perfect, as he always wanted the world to come closer and today with this attempt at MFAH I think there is a sense of great achievement for the community.”

All throughout the month of May the Tagore society has been hosting various cultural functions. Starting on May 7 at India House, as the day was proclaimed as Rabindranath Tagore Day, followed by cultural dance performances by local talents.

The celebration of Ray and Tagore will continue this Friday June 17, 2011 when Satyajit Ray’s most acclaimed work Charulata ‘The Lonely Wife’ will be presented at 7pm (Click here for more information).

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