On Rabindra Jayanti, Kalimpong recalls association with Tagore

YOWAN MOTHAY, EOI, KALIMPONG, 9 MAY 2023 : Rabindra Jayanti was celebrated at Jubilee School, Kalimpong, on Tuesday at Jubilee School, Kalimpong, under the joint initiative of the West Bengal Department of Information and Culture and Milani Club. District Magistrate of Kalimpong R. Vimala was present at the event. 

A cultural programme was staged on the occasion. Gauripur House in Kalimpong is associated with the memory of Rabindranath.

It was the summer residence of Brajendra Kishore Roychowdhury, zamindar of Gauripur, in the Mymensingh District of present Bangladesh. Nestled in the midst of nature and at the foot of the hills, Gauripur House was Tagore’s favourite place.

Towards the end of his life, he came to Kalimpong four times between 1938 and1940 and stayed in this building for a long time. 

He visited Gauripur House first on April 25, 1938, at the age of 78 and spent around 52 days. He had penned some of his memorable compositions at Gauripur House. One of the poems he had composed at Gauripur House was broadcast live in the poet’s own voice from Akashvani Calcutta Centre. On this occasion, the telephone connection of Kalimpong with Calcutta was inaugurated. 

Rabindra Jayanti at Gouripur Bhavan

In front of this building, two camphor trees had been planted by the poet with his own hands. Even today his touch is alive in this building.