Friday, April 20, 2012

Rabindranath and Western India - 1920

In January,1920,  Rabnbdranath kept himself busy in organizing Viswa Bharati in Santiniketan. Rabindranath got an invitation from Gujrat Sahitya Parishad sometimes in the month of Paush to preside over the annual meeting of the Parishad. But he could not join at that time for want  of time. The chief organizer approached Gandhiji for help in this regard.Gandhiji wrote Rabindranath (Gujrat)on 14th Jan 1920;
"... as one of the reasons for your inability to attend was the shortness of noticegiven to you. It was decided to postpone the Conference to Easter. It could be done without violating
any  canon of propriety as the conference is not an annual
fixture meeting at an appointed time. I know that you would come if your health and other consideration make it possible for you to accept the invitation and I sincerely hope that the Capital of Gujrat will have the honour of receiving you during easter."
Rabindranath could refuse the request of Gandhiji.Moreover, Many Gujratis have sent their wards to Santiniketan and contributed liberally to the fund of Santiniketan. And therefore, he did not  like to miss the opportunity of meeting them and the rulers of Ahmedabad, the capital og Gujrat.
Gandhiji in a welcoming letter informed him on 11Mar,
" ...every effort is being made not to overload you with engagements or tamashas. Will you please let me know, if necessary by wire, how long you will be able to give Gujarat and whether you could visit one or two important ceters. The second question is regarding your residence. Will you put up at the Ashram (Sabarmati) ? Nothing would delight me more.  than to have you at the Ashram..."