Oor Rabbie Vs India’s ‘Rabi’

As we raised a glass to Rabbie, people across the country were also celebrating the 150th anniversary of Tagore’s death - like Burns in Scotland, he was a leading figure of Indian culture. A poet, philosopher, musician, writer and educationalist he was, in fact, inspired by Scotland’s national poet, with the famous ‘Auld Lang Syne’ inspiring his own well-known song ‘ Purano shei diner kotha’ (memories of the Good Old Days).

And, this isn’t the only connection between the two national bards. In celebration of Tagore’s anniversary and the cultural synergies between Scotland and India, we’ve taken a look at comparisons between ‘oor Rabbie’ and India’s own ‘Rabi’.

• While Rabbie was born in a farmer’s cottage to a poor family during a freezing Ayrshire winter, Tagore was welcomed into a wealthy family in an ancestral mansion in Calcutta.

• Both are seen as national treasures in their native countries and are celebrated for the literary magic! Burns as Scotland’s national poet, a legend annually celebrated the world over on Burns Night, and Tagore as one of India’s greatest poets and philosophers.

• Both were behind songs, which people still sing with pride today - ‘Auld Lang Syne’ is the second most recognised song in the world (after Happy Birthday!). While Tagore’s much-celebrated song ‘Purano Shei Diner Kotha’ (Memories of the Good Old Days) was inspired by this very Burn’s hit.

• Both were married and notorious womanisers! Burns was father to 13 children and was well known for having an eye for the ladies, while Tagore developed a close relationship with his teenage muse in his 50s!

• Burns was the ‘people’s poet’ and a proud nationalist – believing passionately in Scotland and the rights of the ordinary man. Tagore on the other hand was against nationalism as a matter of principle and promoted spiritual values instead.

• As a true hearty Scot, Burns loved a tipple and is well known for having a ‘thirst for a drink’. Tagore hated overindulgence however, and was even an active spokesperson against the opium trade.

The Robert Burns Birthplace Museum is celebrating the connection between Burns and Tagore and the wider connections between Scotland and India with a dedicated exhibition – ‘Singing a Nation into Being’, running from 29 January – 10 March 2012. The exhibition will also be hosted at the Scottish Church College in Kolkata.