Rabindranath in Europe (contd13)-1921

On 21st May , in the morning Rabindranath and his party left Hamburg and started for Kopenhagan. When they reached the station huge gathering greeted them. The Danish Teacher Esthar Faering,  known to Tagore earlier, was also present. Rathindranath wrote in his diary, "Mr.Branner receives and conducts us to Hotel Angleterre."   On 22nd May, Mr. Branner took them to the deer park and sea side for a visit and had their lunch there. At 8 pm Rabindranath read from his own writing in Bengali and English before the  Danish students in the club.After the meeting a large number of students with with flambeau conducted Rabindranath and his party to the hotel. Rabindranath addressed them from the balcony of the hotel. On 23 May,  Mr. Branner greeted Rabindranath and others with a lunch. Here Rabindranath was introduced with the University Professors.The london Times reported the incident mentioning  " Sir Rabindranath Tagore during a short visit o Denmark , paid a visit to the Philosopher M. [herald]Hoffding. In the afternoon he delivered a lecture on "The Message of the Forest" in copenhagan University. They left Denmark on 23May.   

   



Rabindranath in Europe (contd-12) - 1921

( Rabindranath with Kurt Wolff)On  13th May in the morning, Rabindranath, Rathindranath, Bomanji started for Darmstadt and reached there in the evening. Rathindranath wtote in his diary; "Darmstadt, 13th - Leave Zurich early morning . Arrive Darmstadt evening. Count Keyserling meets & takes to Hotel Traube. and wrote on 14th; " spend the who.e day with C. Keyserling. Drive in the afternoon through the woods."
On 15th  they left Darmstadt in the morning and reached Hamburg in the evening . Rathinsranath wrote that none was present and they had to put up at Hotl Streits.
The situation was revealed bya a telegram written on 14th by Helene, " expect you Monday in our house everything prepared." This was more clearly explained in the letter dated 16th May;
" ... when last Friday 13th May your telegram announced us your arrival for Whit. Sunday, - after your son's last letters we had not expected you before June - In the midst of our work a second telegram arrived, the contents of which puzzled us for a moment, as you asked us not to order hotel-roomsuntil you telegraphed from Darmstadt ...Then another telegram arrived .." Thanks for invitation, prefer hotel, - don't trouble to meet us at the station - looking forward to see you on Tuesday [17th] morning -" I am still stunned with that blow, but I shall come to your Hotel to-morrow morning."
Anyway, 16th May, Monday, Rabindranath went to the house of Helene. Rathindranath wrote in his diary, " Father goes to stay with Mrs. Meyer Franck. "
Rabindranath wrote to Andrews , " We are hastening to this town, Hamburg and we are going to Mrs. Meyer Franck's house after lunch. She is a sweet woman and her devotion for me is pathetic . I say pathetic, because I feel I am not worthy of it. But love has its creative joy in itself - it makes its playthings out of nothing like God, and like children."
Next day, 17th May, Rathindranath wrote in his diary,
" Returns to Hotel. Drive to prince Bismarck's castle at Friedrichsruhe & take tea with Princess B. Return to Mrs. Meyer's . Readings at hefr house.
On 20th May, at 7.30 pm Rabindranath read the essay " The message of the Forest" in Hamburg University at the initiative of Hamburger Kunstgesellschaft.

In his speech Rabindranath mentioned that the great poet Goethe was successful in making union of man and Nature.
(Johann Wolfgang von Goethe ((( 28 August 1749 – 22 March 1832) was a German writer, pictorial artist, biologist,theoretical physicist, and polymath. He is considered the supreme genius of modernGerman literature. His works span the fields of poetry, drama, prose, philosophy, andscience. His Faust has been called one of the greatest dramatic works of modern European literature. His other well-known literary works include his numerous poems, the Bildungsroman Wilhelm Meister's Apprenticeship, and the epistolary novel The Sorrows of Young Werther )
Keyserling requested Rathindranath, "to maintain the time table prepared at Darmstadt and this is necessary to look after his health from the trouble of moving through places. Inspite of this upper-handedness Rabindranath wrote a letter in reply to the letter dated 18th May;
" .. I fully appreciate your kind wish to spare me the  trouble of unnecessary travelling & the strain of meeting strangers. But it can not be helped for it is the part of my mission. I should never never forgive me if I tried to economise my effort & restrict my movement within a too limited range.I have already been in some other countries of Europe where I have received generous welcome and freely given myself to them. I am humble in my estimate  of my own worth & the only claim I have upon my fellow beings is the claim of love which I feel for them.  My whole heart shrinks from the idea of raising  a special platform for myself in order  to receive homage from the people &  to play  the part of a teacher to them who have any regard for me & I implore you not to create a situation which will be against my nature.  Though a stranger I  have a great admiration & sympathy for your people & as I am  only  to be for a short time in this country, all that I can hope to do is freely to make my general feeling n in every place where I am able to go. It will be wrong  for me to be narrowly  exclusive in my selection of place , parties, or friends which to be fair, needs experience of long acquaintance. I give you my idea of the press notice which  should go to the papers in the following paragraph. It should have nothing in it n its reference to me which would make me blush or make it appear that I identify myself with  only one institution in this country thus giving valid reason for annoyance to others. I am sure you will understand my scruples & help me, in this my first visit to Germany , in establishing my relationship with your people in consonance with my nature.                      

Rabindranath in Europe (contd-11) -1921

"Rabindranath Tagore has been a strong cultural force especially in West Bengal and Bangladesh, where the population speaks his language, Bengali. He channelized the energies of the entire subcontinent towards our modern age. Europe and American identify Tagore and Gandhi with modern India more than any other persons.

Tagore enjoyed a special relationship with Germany. The enthusiasm with which the German people welcomed the poet in 1921 was tumultuous and unprecedented. Tagore believed that India and Germany can play a joint special role in our times as both of them were idealistic peoples. The book focuses on four Germans who were probably the most important figures for Tagore during his visit to Germany: The well-known philosopher Hermann Keyserling became a friend. of Kurt Wolff who was Tagore's German publishers. Helen Meyer-Franck, a teacher by profession, became Tagore's most devoted interpreter and translator of several books. Through these  relationship, some of the basic attitudes expressed by Germans towards the cultural icon that was Tagore will become clearer."

Hermann Alexander Graf Keyserling (July 20, 1880–April 26, 1946) was a wealthy philosopher from the aristocratic Baltic German Keyserlingk family.

The  next tour to be taken by Rabindramnath was Germany. H thought to come over here since 1913 when he came to England before winning the Nobel prize.At this time Count Hermann Keyserling [1880-1946] gave him some introductory letters to some important persons of German.

In 1920 he had a mind to go to German from France but he could not get visa due to post war situation. Rabindranath had deep regards for the intellectuals of Germany because of their vast  research work on Indian language and culture. On 2nd February 1921 he wrote to Helene Meyer-Frank, German translator of Rabindranath's work, from Chicago; " If things are not desperately unfavourable I shall meet you in Germany, the country which has my deepest sympathy  in her days of trial. All the same I am convinced that the victors  are not more fortunate than vanquished."

The people of Germany was also expecting bindranath eagerly. Before he received Nobel prize Gitanjali was translated in Germany by Marie Gothein  was one to whom Keyserling wrote a letter of

introduction.

(Rabindranath with Kurt Wolf in Germany in 1921)

(Rabindranath with Intellectuals in Germany-1926)

(Rabindranath in Germany in 1930)

Rabindranath in Europe (contd-10) -1921

On 7th May Rabindranath wrote to Indira Devi;

" We are going to Lusanne, then to Lcerne." and Rathindranath wrote in his diary, " Leave morning by Broda's car & lunch with him at his hotel in Lusanne  Leave at 2 pm Lucerne. Met Mr. Abegg and drive to his castle." The man in charge of this tour Dr. Hans Bodmer wrote in a letter; " I am pleased that you have accepted my proposition to spend your week-end at Lucerne.My friends, the family Abegg-stocker will be very glad to receive you, your son and Mr. Bomanjiat their home , the castle of Buonas, one of the finest estate of our country.The program will be following. Arrival at Lucerne -Saturday evening, Drive to the Castle of Buonas. Mr. Abegg will meet you in any case with his taxi-cab at the  station." Next day, 8th May- Sunday- meeting with Carl Spitteler,  our great Swish poet, also distinguished with the Nobel prizeand besides him more guests from Zurich, amongst them 'myself', some others.

Rathindranath wrote that they traveled by motor-boat in the lake of Lucerne after their lunch.

On 9th May, in the morning, they went to see Vierwald-Sattersee by motor Rathindranath wrote; ' we went by motor to Vitznan and then to Brienne and back to Vitznan. We had our lunch at the hotel and started for Basel. They boarded in the house of Dr. Vischer and became their guest.

On 10th May, Rabindranath read the essay "The Message of the Forest" in University of Basel in the evening.He had been  given a  reception in the house of Dr. Vischer.Dr. Wackernage,a Sanskrit Pandit, was present. Rabindranath explained here his plan of the International University, many among the audience became enthusiast.On 12 May, Rector Dr. G. Senn of Basel University, requested him to send all papers relating to this Univerasity.

On 11th May, Rabindranath left Basel at 9.30 am and reached Zurich at 11.15 am . Dr. Bodmer was present and took them to Grand hotel Dolder. They attended the lunch at Mrs. Von Martini's house, a friend of Count Keyserling . In the evening he read from his own writings at Waldhaus Dolder at 8.15 pm organised by Lesezerkel Hottingen. 

On 12th May, Mrs. Bodmer received them with a lunch in her house. In the evening at 8 pm he read the essay " The Poet's Religion" in the hall of Zurich University. Dr. Hans Bodmer wrote about the arrangement of this meeting;

" The lecture at the "Aula" of our University is arranged by the Lesezirked Hottingen . There will speak rector Prof. Fueter as well as former rector Prof. Vetter, .About 600 people of all intellectual circles will be there. Afterwards there will take place an intimate reception at the house of Mrs. Bodmer-zoelly, who is a sister-in-law of Mrs. Abegg." The organisation promised to donate some book written by the writers of Zurich to Viswa Bharati. They could not fulfill the proposed honorarium     

Rabindranath in Europe (contd-9) - 1921

Sir Patrick Geddes FRSE (2 October 1854 – 17 April 1932) was a Scottish biologist, sociologist, geographer, philanthropist and pioneering town planner (see List of urban theorists). He is known for his innovative thinking in the fields of urban planning and sociology.
It was decided that Patrick Geddes would Meet Rabindranath in Geneva but due to some illness of one of his friend he could not meet him.. Mentioning the incident Rabindranath said on 5th May, " I send you herewith a draft copy of an invitation letter from which you will know that I am arranging a conference of some representative persons of the West and of Japan and China, if possible. I wish to have your advice both with regards to the names as well as the details of the programme. I need not say that it would help me gr4eatly if you could personally take part in organising it...If you suggest any alterations in the wordings of the invitation letter I shall gratefully accept them.My intent5ion is to hold in connection with the conference an exhibition representing different aspects of Indian life and culture."
He was also willing to bear the travelling expenses of those persons who were running in difficulties. He mentioned in this respect that many persons of Europe showed interest to volunteer in this project;
" You will know from the accompanying leaflet about the scheme of an International University in India with the object of paving the path to a future when both East and West will work together for the general cause of human welfare. It has been decided formally to open this institution on the 15th Jan, 1922, and to invite for the occasion a meeting of representative men and women of culture from the different countries of the West and those in Asiawhich are likely to respond. Such a meeting of the best thinkers and workers who are interested in bringing about international good feelings and fellowship is sure to facilitate the communication of sympathy between those continents which for various causes remain mutually alienated. It will give the most welcome assurance to the eastern people that the best intellectual minds of the world recognise the claims of a common human birthright overcoming the barriers of geography and race..  Earnestly hoping to count upon your sympathy for this movement I assure you....It give me pleasure and strenghthen the cause if you accept my invitation to take part in the conference affording the opportunity to some of our best men of distinction in Inidia for meeting you.
The proposed International University was established on 8th Paush [ 23 dec 1921] instead of  15th Jan 1922.   
As per English Calendar this year 25th Baishakh falls on 6th May. Rabindranath completed 60 years in his life and stepped into 61 years.He wrote to Andews ;
" The day has been crowded with visitors and the talk has been incessant, some part of which has unfortunately lapsed into politics, giving rise to a temperature in my mental atmosphere of which I always repent"
He also wrote to Indira Devi on 7th May;
" It is true, that I was born in this country and I have passed many days since my birth. After fifty years of my age,  I came to the west continent and  I was born again. I was welcome to them. Their affection was so deep, their relationship was so intimate, I became astonished. I could not imagine before coming over here that my abode was so neatly prepared in the European countries. I could not understand why I got so much respect and affection from them. When I was born in Bengal 60 years ago and received so much wealth of the world that I could not account for and the love and affection I am getting from the people of the West, I would not be able to repay them. I could not make my balance sheet of my receipts and payments in this world. I am accepting the gifts I am receiving thrm  with my head bowed down and I feel no pride in it."
To celebrate the birth day of Rabindranath a committee was formed with the members Count Bernstorff, Rudolf Eucken, Dr. Adolf Harnack, Gerhart Hauptmann, Conrad Hausmann, Harmann Hesse, Dr. hermann Jacobi, Count Keyserling, Dr. Henrick Meyer-Benfey, Helene Meyer-Franck, Dr. Richard Wilhelm and Kurt Wolff. They decide to celebrate by donating modern books in German literature to the colletion of Viswa Bharati.
Informing this to Andrews Rabindranath wrote;
" I have just received a birth day greeting m Germany through a committee consisting of men like Eucken, Harnack, Hauptmann and others and with it a most generous gift consisting of, at least, four hundred copies of valuable German books. It has deeply touched my heart and I feel certain that it will find response in the hearts of my country men."
Rabindranath, too, expressed gratitude on behalf of India and himself by sending a message;
" Germany has done more than any other countries in the Worl fo opening up and ening the channel ontellectual and spiritual mmunication of the West with India, and the homage of love , which she freely has given ay to apoet of the East, will surely impart to this relationship the depth of an intimate and personal character. Therefore, I can assure you that my message of gratitude which  out to my friends in Germany ies in it I grateful appreciation of this hospitality of heary offered to her in the person of her poet."    
  
.     

Rabindranath in Europe (contd-8) - 1921

Rabindranath participated in some of the programmes in Geneva.Prof. Benoy Kumar Sarkar was then in Europe. He described in detail the programme attended by Rabindranath in  the magazine The Collegian which was published in Modern Review under the title

 "Rabindranath Tagore's Tour in Europe" .He wrote, " Rabindranath delivered a lecture in Music Hall  on 3rd  May,  organised by  "Institut  Jean-Jacques Rousseau " . Rathindranath wrote in his diary that the Rabindranath read from his writing in L'Atheneeon 4th May at 5 pm.

(Binoy Kumar Sarkar (1887–1949) was an Indian social scientist, professor, and nationalist. He founded several institutes in Calcutta, including: the Bengali Institute of Sociology, Bengali Asia Academy, Bengali Dante Society, and Bengali Institute of American Culture.

Sarkar graduated from the University of Calcutta in 1905 with dual degrees in English and history. The following year he received his master's degree.
In 1925 Sarkar started as a lecturer at the Department of Economics of University of Calcutta. In 1947 he became a professor and head of the department. He died on a trip to the United States in Washington, DC, in November 1949)
The teachers of Santiniketan was thinking of disconnecting all relation with Calcutta University. Two ideas cropped up from their discussion. The teachers supporting the proposal were Andrews, Bidhushekhar Shastri, Nepal Chandra Roy etc and those in opposition were Jagadananda Roy, Pravat Kumar Mukhopadhyay. Lastly the decision was in the favour of the proposal. Rabindranath wrote on this subject to Suhrid Kumar;
" I kept silent when you were in teet op of your discussion about discontinuing of participation in Matriculation Examination. As far as practicable I donot interfere in the decision of the teachers. To sit for Matric Examination was not within my likings. But since most of the persons of our country like it, I could not keep our students outside this examination. I was thinking of putting Viswa Bharati on a solid foundation and keep going with the formal and informal systems of Examination till both the streams meet in one.If I was present there I would not have deprived any of the students willing to sit for the examination. Any way I donot consider the discontinuation of Matriculation Examination as harmful one because it was hanging on our shoulder like a ghost - now, to get rid of is better. But my objection lies, we have not been able to transform it into a better system.It is like a non-cooperation movement. We wanted to wash it away from from Santiniketan like the political movement of our country."It will remove some skin and flesh from our backbone along with dust deposited on it" The pain and scar merk caused by it, could not be easily m good of."    

Rabindranath in Europe (contd-7)- 1921

Édouard Claparède (March 24, 1873 in Geneva, Switzerland – September 29, 1940 in Geneva) was a Swiss neurologist and child psychologist.

( no image is available)

Dr. Bodmer informed Dr.Edouard Claparde [1873-1940] in the evening on 30th April of the arrival of Rabindranath Tagore and his party in Geneva. Rabindranath and Bomanji stayed in the house of Claparde and Rathindranath to stay in Prof Boret. In the next morning they boarded in Les Bergues Hotel.

Rabindranath was moved to see the city (Geneva) which was expressed in a letter dated 2nd May written to Andrews;

" This is a beautiful country - dwelling place of God invaded by man. The town is so dainty and clean with its river of limpid water and the sky unpolluted by the bleching of smoke ... In the treets here, motor cars are few and crowds are leisurely. It is a town that seems to have been created in the atmosphere of vacation. 

On this perspective Rabindranath remembered two persons ; one - Nepal Roy who does not think of keeping time and so time does not hang on him and he remains evergreen. The other is Ranu Adhikary - who wanted to forget the rule of watch to forget  the time limit of 27 years of her age.