Give it Back!

Poet. Songwriter. Educationist. Artist. Philosopher. Social Reformer. These are just some of the brilliant aspects of Rabindranath Tagore (1861-1941). One of Bharat’s greatest cultural icons, this Nobel Prize winner wrote our beloved national anthem and has largely been responsible for reshaping modern Indian thought. Fearless in outlook and creative in thought, Tagore promoted universal values and moral courage; a true inspiration across fields, whose works are celebrated as much today as ever before.While he wrote many letters in his time, there was one that truly defined his spirit of patriotism. Written by him on 31 May 1919 to the Viceroy Lord Chelmsford, in it he declared that he was giving back his British Knighthood, in protest against the cruel and heartless Jallianwala Bagh massacre at Amritsar, Punjab..‘The enormity of the measures taken by the Government in the Punjab for quelling some local disturbances has, with a rude shock, revealed to our minds the helplessness of our position as British subjects in India. Knowing that our appeals have been in vain and that the passion of vengeance is blinding the nobler vision of statesmanship in our Government, which could so easily afford to be magnanimous as befitting its physical strength and moral tradition, the very least that I can do for my country is to take all consequences upon myself in giving voice to the protest of the millions of my countrymen, surprised into a dumb anguish of terror. The time has come when badges of honour make our shame glaring in the incongruous context of humiliation, and I, for my part, wish to stand, shorn of all special distinctions, by the side of those of my countrymen, who, for their so-called insignificance, are liable to suffer degradation not fit for human beings. These are the reasons which have painfully compelled me to ask Your Excellency, with due reference and regret, to relieve me of my title of Knighthood, which I had the honour to accept from His Majesty the King at the hands of your predecessor, for whose nobleness of heart I still entertain great admiration.’Rabindranath Tagore.There is absolutely no room for ambiguity here; Tagore gave back not just his title, but also a piece of his mind! He may have earned the respect and appreciation of the British, but that didn’t impress him. His mention of ‘my country’ and ‘my countrymen’ makes it very clear that he was not one to be swayed by titles and honours. He stood for truth and righteousness, and proved it by rejecting Knighthood and standing shoulder-to-shoulder with his fellow Indians when they were pained.The words he chose show his nobility and finesse, without hiding his true feelings on the matter. There is so much to learn from this letter and so much to internalise about it too. To start with, how do I react when those around me face challenges? Do I continue doing what I was doing, without blinking an eyelid, or do I empathise with them and demonstrate my support and solidarity? Am I willing to sacrifice my own glory and honour to stand up for what I believe is right, or do I feel each one should fight his or her own battle and keep me out of it? Do I have a vision and cause beyond ‘me and mine’? Do I know how to express my thoughts and opinions so that others are clear about where I stand?The answers to these questions would hopefully serve as an eye-opener and catalyst for change. As the saying goes, “If not me, then who?” Tagore exemplified this spirit.

Give it Back!

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