The 148th birth anniversary of Bishwakabi Rabindranath Tagore (Rabindra Joyanti) will be observed across the county today showing due respect to the great poet of Bengali literature.

Different socio-cultural organisations have chalked out elaborate programmes to celebrate Rabindra Joyanti. Nobel laureate poet Rabindranath gained huge popularity among Bangla- speaking people in Bangladesh and beyond.

The programmes include discussions and cultural functions, drama and exhibition of documentary on Tagore.

President Zillur Rahman will inaugurate the national programme to be arranged by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs at Osmani Memorial Hall at 5 PM today.

The President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in separate messages paid their homage to the memory of the poet, saying Rabindranath is an endless source of inspiration for Bangla- speaking people all over the world.

In his message, President Zillur Rahman said the extraordinary literature and all creative works of Poet Rabindranath Tagore would inspire the new generation.

He said Nobel laureate Tagore was a man of versatile talent who established Bangla language at a respected place in the arena of world literature.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said, "Rabindranath is a 'lighthouse' for Bangalees. He wandered in the hearts of Bangalees. He was a source of inspiration in all movements, struggles, revolutions, thoughts and creativity of the Bangali nation."

"Rabindranath was an extraordinary talent with his poetic brilliance. He was a prolific author of dramas, plays, short stories and novels. He was also an artist, philosopher, singer, social reformer and educationist," the Prime Minister said.

She said the brilliant presence of Rabindranath in our everyday life would always keep us lively and active to continue our victory in all spheres of the national life.

Leader of the Opposition Begum Khaleda Zia in a message marking the birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore paid her deep homage to the poet. She said Rabindranath has huge influence on our national life.

Rabindranath Tagore became Nobel laureate in 1913, for his poetic work 'Geetanjali' which was especially admired throughout Europe. He is the author of the national anthems of both Bangladesh and India.

Indian High Commission in Dhaka will screen a documentary on Rabindra Tagore made by Satyajit Ray at Indian Cultural Centre at Gulshan-1 at 6 PM today.

Source: BSS, Dhaka