A tribute to Rabindranath Tagore through Odissi dance with Rabindra Sangeet during his 150th birth anniversary celebrations in Bhubaneswar. Telegraph picture

Bhubaneswar, April 24: Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore wrote many of his famous works, including Chitrangada, in the small Jagatsinghpur village of Pandua in 1890s. But the relevance of his poetry and art remains as much in Orissa even today, said academicians, artists and litterateurs at an event celebrating the bard’s 150th birth anniversary celebrations.

A collage of cultural programmes, art workshops and discussions revolving around Tagore’s creations were held in the programme titled ‘Rabindranath Tagore in Orissa’. Eminent personalities from different walks of life spoke about how the creative genius inspired them.

“Tagore had a zamindari in Pandua and so he often spent time here, writing or painting. So the beauty of nature we find in his poetry and other works includes imageries from this place,” said Gaganendra Nath Das, a historian.

A rendition of Tagore’s poem, Maranare tuhu mouma shyama soman, transformed into Odissi dance, was presented by Janhavi Behera. The danseuse illustrated the deep insights of the poem that reflects on the authority of death over life. Behera presented the Odissi recital on Rabindra Sangeet.

“Dancers of various genres, across the world have performed on Tagore’s poetry. The thoughtful expressions that he arranged in words give the dancer a chance to create vivid choreographies,” said Behera.

Artist Ramahari Jena showcased a number of paintings by Tagore in the form of a slide show. He also talked on the background of each of them and how the works hold great importance in contemporary art scenario.

“Tagore used to transform his thoughts and feelings with great ease and no professional training. In fact, that is the essence of art and so his paintings continue to inspire generations of artists,” said Jena.

Three villagers of Pandua also attended the event and described how signs of his creativity still remain intact at the Tagore residency, though this ancestral house is currently in a dilapidated condition.

“There are many aspects of Tagore’s association with Orissa through this village that needs to be explored. Moreover, the translations of his works from Bengali to Oriya must continue by different authors, so that new perspectives of his literature reach the readers,” said translator Jatindra Nayak.

The event was organised by Eastern Zonal Tagore Commemoration Commitee and cultural outfit Angarag at a city-based hotel on Saturday.

Well-known personalities such as authors Sangram Jena, Pratibha Ray, Jugalkishore Dutta, Prof. Khageswar Mohapatra, Debi Patnaik and art historian Dinanath Pathy participated in the event.