As the youngest son of Maharshi Debendranath Tagore, Rabindranath delved in theology and metaphysics at an early age, though at that time he was keener on prose and poetry. Rabindranath's elder brother Dwijendranath was more interested in philosophy than him. Despite being reputed as a poet, lyricist, composer, dramatist, artist and novelist, Rabindranath was also a profuse theologian and philosopher.

On the occasion ofTagore's 67th death anniversary, Bangla Academy arranged a discussion programme on the topic ”Rabindranath-er Dharmatatwa O Darshan" (Rabindranath's Theology and Philosophy) at its seminar room on August 6. Syed Abul Maqsud read out the keynote paper at the programme.

Maqsud went over Rabindranath's way of practicing theology. He said, "Rabindranath practiced theology not like other academic philosophers but rather like a sage." Maqsud referred to a lecture Rabindranath gave at a conference for the Indian philosophers held in 1925. At the conference Rabindranath said_"I do not consider myself as a metaphysician." At die same conference Rabindranath also said, "In India, poets and philosophers are related to each other."

Maqsud also pointed out three movements in the nineteenth century, which were influential behind Rabindranath's literary and theological works. According to him, "The movements were Raja Ram Mohan Roy's Brahmo Samaj

(in which Debendranath Tagore was actively involved); modern Bengali literature led by Bankimchandra Chattopadhyay; and the anti-Raj movement of 1857 (considered to be the first anti-colonial movement in the sub-continent)."

In his paper Maqsud also mentioned Rabindranath's affinity towards the Vedanta philosophy. He said, "The Vedanta philosophy was a major influence on Rabindranath. He started studying it at an early age as part of his family practice."

Maqsud made references to several essays and poems by Rabindranath including Manabsatya, Nirakar Upashana, Panthajoner Shokha, Atrna Parichay and Dharmer Sharal Adarsho.

He also addressed the influences of mysticism and secularism on Tagore's theology. He said,

"Rabindranath had notable respect for the philosophy of Sant (saint) Kabir, a secular philosopher from the medieval period, and also Lalon Shai. a Sufi bard of the nineteenth century."

In his paper. Maqsud also added that Rabindranath excluded all kinds of formal religious practices from his theology.

Professor Niranjan Adhikari and Professor Galib Ahsan Khan were the discussants. In his speech, Professor Adhikari went over the influence of Vedanta philosophy on Rabindranath, while Professor Galib Ahsan Khan went over his poetry-based philosophy.

"As a philosopher. Rabindranath was a pessimist," said Professor Galib at the programme. He mentioned several poems of Rabindranath like Rup naraner kuley, Prithibi and Biroho modhur holo, where he found Rabin-

dranath as a pessimist.

Professor Galib also said, 'No academic philosopher can address idealism and realism simultaneously. But in some of his writings, Rabindranath followed idealism and in some he followed realism.”

Professor Aminul Islam presided over the programme. He said, "As a philosopher Tagore emphasised on the logic. Where bigotry and argument conflicted with each other. Tagore took the argument.

Professor Syed Mohammad Shahed, director general of Bangla Academy, gave the welcome speech.

After the discussion, a musical soiree was held at the venue, where noted Tagore singers Iffat Ara Dewan, Bulbul Islam, Shama Rahman, Tapan Bhattacharya and Ishrat Jahan performed songs.