Sunday, March 4, 2012

Rabindranath in america - Camegie hall, new York (contd-31)

The first lecture delivered by Rabindranath in New York, was held in Camegie Hall, New York on 21st Nov,1916 at 8.30 pm. The program was organized by Society of Ethical Culture Rabindranath read the essay "The Cult of Nationalism."
The entry fees in the hall were as follows;
1. Boxes - $ 18.00 and $ 15.00,
2. Reserved Seats - $ 2.00, $1.50, $1.00, $ 0.50, and $ 0.25.
The most important was- " it was one of the biggest gatherings ever seen in Camegie Hall. Not one a seat  was vacant, from the front row of the floor to the topmost gallery. Scores wanted in line for tickets, but had to go away disappointed [ New York City Sun, 22 Nov.] In the opinion of Evening Sun  [22 Nov] no. of audience was 3000 .Tribune [22 Nov] informed that ladies were in larger number among the audience and  " There were many ohs and ahs to greet the eloquence of his rather high pitched voice, while every pause for breathe was accompanied by a volume of gloved hand-clapping."
Dr. Felix Adler greeted Rabindranath on behalf of the citizens of New York. Quoting a saying of Kipling "He added that that Dr. Tagore's advent in the Western World was the occasion for at least a temporary mingling of the East and West"
Having finished the reading of the essay, Rabindranath recited the poem, " The sunset of the century"
After the lecture autographed pictures of the poet were sold to ardent admirers. As in other cities, mixed opinions were available  from different media.
Mr. Pond sent a complimentary ticket to Mr. Brett who reported Mr. Pearson about the lecture on 22nd;
" The lecture was wonderful last nightand one is more than ever impressed with poet's power and insight. The message of his lecture is exactly what the Western World needs at this time."