Rabisarani

Requested by Pramatha Chowdhury, writes an article Finland condemning Russian invasion (printed in Alaka, Magh , 1346). He will return to this theme months later in the poem Apaghath which he'll write in Kalimpong.

Chinese Buddhist scholar Tai-shu comes to Santiniketan on a good-will mission. Receiving him in the Amrakunja, Rabindranath says in his welcome address -- "The ancient friendship between China and India might be revived by contact in the realms of spirit and culture."

The address Purner Sadhana read on the occasion of Maghotsav.

Writes quite a few poems and songs in January, 1940.

Writes Sanai,Roopkathai, Ahwan, Poorna, Dewa-newa, SeshBela, Seshdristi, Anabristi, Adhara, Notun Rang, Byathita, Janalai, Kshanik, Dwidha, Adhojaga, Rattire keno holo marji, Biplab, Roop-biroop, Karnadhar.

Pulinbihari Sen is playing a key role in the publication of the complete works. Often visits Santiniketan. Poet also consults Sajanikanta in this connection.

The Sriniketan anniversary celebrated. Ajijul Haq - education minister of Bengal Government presides. Rabindranath delivers the address Palliseva.

Gandhiji and Kasturba Gandhi pay their last visit during the poet's lifetime.

In course of the formal welcome extended to them, Rabindranath says he's offering him -- "these few words to let you know that we accept you as our own, as one belonging to all humanity.' In reply Gandhi says -- "…I am no stranger here. I feel as if I have come to my home..."

Chandalika performed in the evening in honour of the guests.

On the last day of the visit Rabindranath gives him a letter entreating him -- "to accept this institution under your protection giving it an assurance of permanence…" Thirteen years later the government of independent India will make Visva-Bhrati a central university.

District magistrate of Birbhum - Vinodbihari Sarkar persuades the aging poet to travel to Siuri and inaugurate the Annual Industrial Exhibition there. Thousands of people come to the exhibition to see and hear the poet speak.

The Poet is in Bankura (1st - 3rd March) Inaugurates Bankura Exhibition and lays the foundation of a maternity and child-welfare centre.

The Poet addresses medical students in Bankura.

Writes the poem Doorer Gaan.

In a letter to Amiya chakrabarty, Rabindranath admits -- "The trouble with me is that my body is tired, more tired is my mind because it remains motionless."

Centenary of Dwijendranath Tagore's birth anniversary celebrated. Poet speaks on the occasion.

H.W. Nevinson,President, National council for Civil Liberties-writes to the poet requesting him to be the Vice-President of the organisation.

Poet writes back to Nevinson accepting the office.

In March writes the poems Aspasta, Jababdihi, Asa-jawa, Jyotirbaspa.

C.F. Andrews dies in a Kolkata nursing home.

The same day in Santiniketan, in course of the memorial prayer service Rabindranath describes his friend's career as a splendid embodiment of Christian ideals -- "In no man have I seen such triumph of Christianity…His sacrifice, his complete surrender of self, will ever remain treasured in our hearts."

Writes the song Prem esechhilo nishsabda chraney.

Bengali new year's day and Rabindrnath's birthday celebrated. The poet speaks on the occasion. Congratulations from Chinese President Chiang Kai-shek.

The poet arrives in Kolkata.

Poet inaugurates Trust Building of Calcutta Builders Stores Ltd.

Poet visits his ailing nephew Surendranath.

The Poet gives an interview to the media on the political situation prevailing in the country, particularly Bengal. Soon it will spark off a controversy as anti-Subhas groups will fasten on it. It will cease somewhat only when Rabindranath will issue another statement to the press in early July after his return from Kalimpong.

Arrives in Mungpoo where his hostess is Maitreyi Devi.

Surendranath Tagore passes away in Kolkata.

Local folks celebrate his birthday.

Shifts to Kalimpong.

Kalimohan Ghosh dies in Santiniketan.

Rabindranath receives the news.

Obviously pinning high hopes on the USA as a defender of democratic and spiritual values so brutally threatened by the world war in progress, particularly after the collapse of France, Rabindranath writes a letter to F.D. Roosevelt which states prophetically -- "All our individual problems of politics today have merged into one supreme world politics, which, I believe, is seeking the help of the United states of America as the last refuge of the spiritual man, and these few lines of mine merely convey my hope, even if unnecessary, that she will not fail her mission to stand against the universal disaster that appears so imminent."

The Poet is back in Kolkata.

Inaugurates Gitali -- an institution dedicated to music.

Writes the poems Sesh Abhisar, Proiti, Janmadin (3 poems under the same title), Abhisap, Nabajataker kanda in Mungpoo and Kalimpong.

Poet visits Bani Bhavan, a training centre for widows run by Narisiksha Samity founded by Lady Abala Bose and speaks to the women of the centre.

Subhaschandra comes to see the poet. It's their last meeting.

Poet inaugurates the new telephone exchange at Bolpur.

Dhirendramohan Sen leaves Santiniketan to take up a high-profile job in Delhi.

Oxford University confers on him D. Litt (honoris causa) at a special convocation held in Santiniketan by its special representatives -- Sir Maurice Gwyer, Chief Justice of India, Sir S. Radhakrishnan and Justice Henderson of Calcutta High Court.

Sapmochan performed in the evening in honour of the guests.

The Times writes, "This is believed to be the first time that a special convocation held outside Oxford."

At a memorial meeting held to commemorate Tulsidas, the Poet explains the enduring significance of the Tulsidas Ramayana.

Varshamangal and Vriksharopan celebrated in Santiniketan.

Completes the long short story Laboratory which shows his undiminished ability to experiment and innovate in all the departments of fiction -- theme, form, character and certainly not the least -- language.

The Poet is in the city for a quick medical check-up.

Leaves for Kalimpong.

The Poet is severely ill in Kalimpong.

Brought back to Kolkata. Prompt medical care enables him to overcome the crisis. Remains bed-ridden for almost two months.

Back in Santiniketan. Prolonged convalescence.

A Chinese Goodwill mission headed by Tai Chi-Tao comes to see the poet.

Incapacitated by illness, the Poet is unable to take part in the seventh Poush festivities. A lecture dictated by him and taken down by Amiya Ckakrabarty (Arogya) is read to the congregation.

Writes Prachhanna Pashu on the eve of Christmas.

Nabajatak, Sanai, Chitralipi1, Rogsajyay, Complete Works volumes 3, 4, & 5 published.