Sunday, May 29, 2011

Renuka (contd-4)

The youngest son, Shamindra, of Rabindranath on horse back and Surendranath standing.
Daughters of Rabindranth; (sitting from left) Shamindranath, eldest daughter Madhurilata (Bela), (standing right) Mira, left Renuka.
Eldest daughter Madhurilata
1309 Bangabda (1902 ) new years day was celebrated as usal in the presence of renowned persons, the only exception was Rabindranath did not read out his written address this year. Moreover he had  a sad death in advance which came true at the death of his wife Mrinalini. Not only that, this new year appeared before him as dark as possible due to a bad disease (tuberculosis) which attacked Renuka.
She was not improving in Hazaribagh. As a result she was to be transferred to Almorah, a better place.
Rabindranath came to Calcutta to settle about their accomodation at Almorah.
On 3rd May, Rabindranath wrote to Mohit Chandra Sen from Bolpur that he was at last forced to go to Almorah with Renuka. She was not at all good.
On 8th May (25th Baishakh), at his 43rd birth day, he wrote to Mohit Chandra Sen that ultimately they reached Almorah travelling a long and difficult journey with Renuka to Almorah.
Though the journey was too much troublesome but the place was fine, cold weather , the house was big
 Almorah was helpful for Rabindranath's creative activity but no sign was visible of Renuka's recovery.