Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Rabindranath in Moscow-11 Sept 1930

The gradual accession of Stalin to power in the 1920s eventually brought an end to the liberalization of society and the economy, leading instead to a period of unprecedented government control, mobilization, and terrorization of society in Russia and the other Soviet republics. In the 1930s, agriculture and industry underwent brutal forced centralization, and Russian cultural activity was highly restricted. Purges eliminated thousands of individuals deemed dangerous to the Soviet state by Stalin's operatives.
Rabindranath went to Russia from Geneva on 11 Sept 1930 accompanied by Amiya Chakrabarty, Dr. Harry Timbers, Somendranath Tagore, and Miss Einstin. He was greeted by the litterateurs of Polish on the way to Warsaw.
A reception was arranged at midday, on Friday,the 12th Sept, 1930, in the VOKS building. Prof F. N. Petroff, President of the Society, greeted him and explained the new aims and objects of the experiments of Russia.
Prof. Petroff was the president of the Coordination Committee of Cultural affairs with foreign Countries.. The writers association of Moscow and the members of the Coordination Committee arranged a Concert party which was attended by Prof. Cogan, President f Soviet Arts Academy, Principal Pinkovich of 2nd University of Moscow, Madam Litbinov, Ferra Inbar, the famous novelist Father Pladkov etc many writers came and met with the poet. After afew days he Rabindranath went to Pioneer Commune and met with the young students there. He discussed with them , sung a song, "janagana mana " , the Indian national song. Another day he went to th central residence of the farmers and had interaction with them. He became astonished to learn their inquisitiveness on different matters.
In the State Museum of Moscow, an exhibition ( 6th of the type) of Paintings of Rabindranath was held on 17th Sept, 1930  The poet visited the place' Prof Christi, Principal of Tretiakoff Artgallary, gave a welcome address and said, " We knew that Rabindranath was a philosopher and a poet. His drawing was just a passion to him. but now we see that he is also an expert in paintings."
The last lecture of Rabindranath took place on 24th Sept in the Central Trade Union Hall. The poet Singlee read a poetry addressing Rabindranath. The litterateur Gaul Perin translated three poems of Rbindranath and recited them and the famous actor Simonov read a portion of Russian version of " Dakghar".
On 25th Sept Poet left Moscow and went to Berlin.