PM hails Tagore’s philosophy of human welfare on 165th birth anniversary

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has paid deep tribute to Nobel laureate and poet Rabindranath Tagore on the occasion of his 165th birth anniversary, describing him as a towering voice in Bengali literature whose creativity was rooted in the pursuit of human welfare.

In a post published on the Prime Minister’s Office Facebook page on Thursday (May 7), he prayed for the eternal peace of the world poet’s departed soul.

The Prime Minister said Tagore’s creative journey was fundamentally driven by ideals of world peace and human welfare. “Through poetry, music, short stories, novels, drama, dance-dramas and paintings, he consistently expressed humanity, love, nature and peace, which remain an invaluable part of Bengali literature and culture,” he said.

He added that Tagore’s works reflected rational thinking, humanistic values and a spirit of internationalism, spreading a message of universal humanity across the world.

Highlighting Tagore’s contribution to Bangladesh’s national identity, the Prime Minister noted that his songs became a source of inspiration during the Liberation War. “His composition ‘Amar Sonar Bangla’ remains deeply embedded in the hearts of the people as the national anthem of Bangladesh,” he said.

Referring to Tagore’s global recognition, he said the poet achieved an unparalleled position in world literature after winning the Nobel Prize for *Gitanjali* in 1913, becoming the first Asian to receive the honour.

The Prime Minister also praised Tagore’s vision of education, noting his establishment of Santiniketan as an effort to nurture future generations through humane and practical learning. “Education should open the door to understanding the world,” he added.

He further said that in today’s world marked by conflict and unrest, Tagore’s philosophy of peace and humanity is more relevant than ever.

The Prime Minister also expressed hope for the smooth and successful observance of Rabindra Jayanti celebrations across the country.