2010 - Rabindranath Tagore | Commemorative Coin

The 3rd commemorative coin of 2010 was released to mark the 150th Birth Anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore. This marked the first instance of a ₹150 denomination being issued.

Rabindranath Tagore stands as one of India’s most revered literary and cultural icons, a towering figure whose contributions transcended borders and redefined global perceptions of Indian art and thought. Born on May 7, 1861, in the intellectually vibrant Tagore family of Jorasanko in Kolkata, he grew up in an environment steeped in literature, music, and social reform. From a young age, Tagore displayed extraordinary creative abilities, writing poetry, composing songs, and absorbing the philosophical richness of Indian traditions while engaging with global ideas. His literary genius culminated in the publication of Gitanjali, a collection of deeply spiritual and lyrical poems that brought him international acclaim and earned him the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913, the first Asian to receive this honour.

Tagore’s influence extended far beyond poetry. He was a novelist, playwright, songwriter, painter, educationist, and philosopher whose works explored themes of humanism, freedom, harmony, and the beauty of nature. His songs, now known as Rabindra Sangeet, became an integral part of Bengali culture and continue to resonate across generations. Two of his compositions achieved historic prominence when they were adopted as national anthems: “Jana Gana Mana” for India and “Amar Sonar Bangla” for Bangladesh. Through these patriotic creations, Tagore’s vision of unity, cultural identity, and collective pride found a permanent place in the hearts of millions.

Tagore was also a visionary in education. Disillusioned with conventional teaching methods, he founded Visva-Bharati University at Santiniketan in 1921, where he envisioned an institution that blended the best of Eastern and Western knowledge. His educational philosophy emphasised freedom of thought, learning through nature, creativity, and the holistic development of the individual. Visva-Bharati became a sanctuary for scholars, artists, and thinkers from around the world, embodying Tagore’s ideal of a global community rooted in mutual respect and shared values.

A firm advocate of India’s cultural renaissance, Tagore championed social reforms, rural upliftment, and interfaith harmony. Although he initially supported the freedom movement, he remained deeply committed to nonviolence and moral integrity, famously returning his knighthood in 1919 in protest against the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. His stand reflected his belief that true freedom lay not merely in political independence but in the liberation of the human spirit from fear, injustice, and ignorance.

Throughout his life, Tagore remained an ambassador of Indian culture, travelling widely and engaging with intellectuals across the world. His interactions helped introduce Indian philosophical thought to global audiences while enriching his own artistic expression. Even in his later years, he continued to innovate, turning to painting and producing remarkable works that showcased his restless creativity.

Rabindranath Tagore passed away on August 7, 1941, but his legacy lives on through his vast body of work, his educational ideals, and his profound influence on literature, music, and cultural thought. He remains a symbol of artistic brilliance, universalism, and the enduring power of human imagination. His life and contributions continue to inspire, reminding the world of the timeless message that beauty, truth, and compassion form the essence of human existence.

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