“Where the Mind is without Fear”

“Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high;
Where knowledge is free,
Where the world has not been broken up into fragments by narrow domestic walls...
Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake.” -Rabindranath Tagore

PROMINENT CHIEF GUESTS OF TAGORE UTSAV

2018

2017

2016

On 7th May 1861 was born one of the greatest literary minds of India, Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore. He has written a plethora of poems, novels essays, short stories, travelogues, dramas, and songs. In 1913, he became the first non-European to receive the prestigious Nobel Prize in literature, largely for his collection of songs in the book Gitanjali. This collection also contains one of Tagore's widely read and discussed poems, Chitto Jetha Bhayshunyo popularly recognized by its English translation, “Where the mind is without fear”. The poem originally published in 1910, is highly relevant even a century later. The “Tagore Utsav” is an annual festival originated and celebrated by Aseem Asha Foundation in 2011, to commemorate Rabindranath Tagore's birth anniversary and to relish his idea of peace, love & harmony. It is celebrated in early May, on the 25th day of Bengali month “Boishakh”. Every year, numerous cultural programs & events, such as; Rabindra Sangeet, dances, poetries, short stories, written and composed by Tagore, including various other creative activities i.e. pottery, Jildsazi (Book Binding), Lakad Saazi (Carpentry) Talks, Panel Discussion, Art & Media Master Trainer’s Workshops, Painting, Photography Exhibition, Bird Feeder and Nest Building, Terracotta Jewelry Making, Paper Toy Making, Tagore’s Art Reproduction, Kala Bhawan Wall Art Reproduction, Tribal and Folk Art Reproduction of Bengal, Sculpting, Clay Toys Making, Leaf Pots & Flower Garland Making, Embroidery, Natural Alpana Designing, Calligraphy, Yoga, Hand Fan Making, T-Shirt Painting, Fashion Walk, Udaan Community Film Festival, Art excellence & community leadership awards and many more are organized during these particular days by the foundation. Tagore's birth anniversary was largely celebrated at the Okhla, New Delhi chiefly in collaboration with numerous institutions like Jamia Millia Islamia, Raza Foundation, Kiran Nadar Museum of Arts, and many others. The festival Acts like a common platform for various artists (Master and Amateur) to showcase their talents, learn and inspire each other.

As of now Aseem Asha Foundation has already presented 7editions of the annual Tagore Utsav with 78 Art Activities and showcased the creative works of Tagore in Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi campus with support from other institutions. More than 3,190 beneficiaries from Jamia, Govt & private Schools, and also people from marginalized and affluent communities of Delhi have participated in Tagore Utsav during these last eight years. Around 190 delegates from almost all spheres of life have participated in these festivals like Padma Vibhushan Indian Classical Dancer Dr. Sonal Mansingh, Padma Bhushan Sculptor Ram V. Sutaar, Padma Shree Dhrupad Exponent Ustad Wasifuddin Dagar, Renowned Film Historian Aruna Vasudev, Renowned Art Historian Geeti Sen & Acclaimed Art Critique Alka Raghuvanshi, Film Maker Manoj Srivastava, Former Chief Executive of India Habitat Center Raj librarian, Bollywood Actor Harsh Mayar and so on to commemorate the noble laureate. Foundation also conferred 57 awards and prizes under the category of Tagore Veteran Artist, Tagore young Artist, Fashion Walk, etc. to the participants and delegates. Sanshrey of Aseem Asha has produced more than 20 films on Tagore to date including talk films, short films, poetry films, music videos, etc. Every year the Tagore Utsav is celebrated based on themes inspired by philosophy, life, and works of Tagore such as Children (2012), Portrait of Tagore’s Heroin (2013), Tagore and the Bauls (2014), Shantiketan (2015), Art and Artists (2016), The Artforms (2017) and Where the mind is without fear (2018).

Inception

Between 2008 to 2010 the founding director Aseem Usman was working with noted painter Padma Shree Jatin Das in his “JDCA National Film Festival”. During that time, Jatin once kept “Tagore” as a theme of the festival. Since Aseem was an assistant festival director, he got the opportunity to curate films made by legendry filmmakers on Tagore and his work. In the process of curation, Aseem came to know more about Tagore’s life, work, and philosophy that inspired him to become a torchbearer same then, he started studying more about Tagore. All these things motivated Aseem to take initiative under the aegis of his Foundation to celebrate Tagore’s 150^th Birth Anniversary through a commemoration Lunch in 2011. Tagore was fond of cooking as can find secret recipes of Bengali delicacies in his diaries. Community members and beneficiaries participated in making various Bengali cuisines for this lunch. They were involved in each and every process such as researching Tagore’s food, curating vegetables, buying terracotta pots and ingredients from the market, chopping, and peeling veggies, cooking meals, garnishing the dishes, and finally enjoying the lunch together. Aseem Asha Foundation beneficiaries’ parents also took part in it and helped to prepare dishes like Dal Bhat, Hara Kabab, Mishti Doi with grated cucumber, Green Salad, Green Sauce, Rosho Gulla, and Lemon Water which was served in banana leaves and terracotta pots.

Before the lunch, Aseem recited some poems from the book Geetanjali that created a curiosity among attendees to know more about Tagore and his work. They became aware of the culinary art of Tagore, Bangla cuisines, and culture that was unique for Muslim dominated society. In the end, beneficiaries shared their own thoughts and feelings about the event followed by thanksgiving. In the later stage of Tagore Utsav’s inception, Sanshrey students from Kalpana Chawal Media Resource Center & Okhla Community Development Center produced 7 films on Tagore like Children by Tagore, Tagore Shila, Remembering Tagore, Bangla Tuli, Akbar Ki Sui, Amar Praner Manush & Panchhi Geet.

Formation

Aseem Asha Foundation always wanted to create an environment like Shanti Niketan where students can learn in the lap of Nature that was found in lawns of Jamia Millia Islamia in 2012. There is stone inscription with Tagore’s poem at its main gate known as “Tagore Shila” (the term was coined by Aseem) which gives an ambiance of Tagore’s presence. The sculptures and paintings in Faculty of Fine Arts resemble the Art work of Ram Kinkar Baij from Shankti Niketan. All of these features made Jamia conducive enough to give an essence of Tagore’s philosophy, consequently foundation chose Jamia for subsequent Tagore Utsav.

Initially principals’ teachers and their students from Jamia schools welcomed the idea of celebrating Tagore though it was very distinctive for them. They encouraged students to participate in activities such as Tagore story recitation, Tagore sangeet, Rangoli making and other related activities. The 1^st edition of Tagore Utsav was primarily celebrated over two days. On first day of festival more than 130 students from slums and various schools participated to create paintings, Tribal Art, Calligraphy, Embroidery, Rangoli, Mehndi Designs inspired by Tagore’s life.

The second-day foundation organized “Shanti Deep March” from Okhla Community to Jamia Tagore Shila covering narrow lanes and crowded roads. Since afternoon students started the preparation of the peace rally. They made placards with Tagore’s quotes, poems, photographs, paintings, etc. to convey the message of peace and brotherhood. Later in the evening, oil lamps decorated the previous day lit the night. While continuing to circle the Tagore Shila, the young children pledged to keep the creative spirit of Tagore alive through artistic efforts during their daily lives. All those who attended, this tender moment became the embodiment of the innocence of true love and devotion lighting the human heart. Tagore's principles and teachings are universal. In their universality, they are never directed towards any specific religion. Students also sang Tagore’s most thought-provoking song “Ekla Cholo Re” and the national anthem at the end in his memory. As a result, they started understanding and acknowledging Tagore as a national hero like Mahatma Gandhi. Gradually other schools of Jamia Millia Islamia and various department of Fine Art faculty showed inquisitiveness to join this festival. During the successive Utsavs, we came across Yaseen Anwar and Mir Imtiyaz who encouraged and supported Aseem Asha to expand Tagore Utsav’s canvas to 3 days from 2016 onwards for more inclusive and diversified gatherings.

Aims and Objectives

Tagore Utsav is an event organized by Aseem Asha Foundation and its active members with the intention to bring different cultures together in a non-formal way promoting cultural exchange and peace through music, art, dance, talks, and various workshops. The event is being organized to fulfill the below-mentioned objectives.

To implement a 3-day festival in the areas of Okhla and Jamia Millia Islamia which is open for everyone irrespective of caste, class, region, age, etc.
To provide a forum for young artists, students, eminent personalities, community leaders, college artists, marginalized groups of the society, and musicians from multiethnic and multicultural communities to experiment and perform their talents to a wide public, and thus create positive awareness of the diversity of arts and culture.
Stimulate creativity and innovation among the young artists by giving them the opportunity of sharing their work and participating on a cultural event: · Through film screening · Through music performances on stage (Solo and Group) · Through planning and implementing an artistic event and art exhibition · Through making a video documentary on the event · Through creating a sense of awareness and art appreciation among the different gentries. · Through networking with artists from different regions and cultures.
To promote peace, love, harmony, and brotherhood through intercultural exchange and celebrate the rich cultural diversity of India.
To create art awareness and appreciation among various communities hailing from a non-Bengali culture who will get a platform to express their own needs.
Encouraging new generation to think beyond progress and success
To guide the community towards the vision of Tagore that found unison in the vision of Jamia Millia Islamia, Shanti Niketan & Aseem Asha Foundation.
To create humility with simplicity among people and in activities.

Implication

In the implication stage of Tagore Utsav, we had covered almost all schools of Okhla (Public, Private & Government) and included more activities such as Lecture demonstrations, Talks, Seminars, Workshops, Cultural Events, Interviews, Recitations, Awards, and many more. Now it has become a university-level event which is usually hosted by Jamia Millia Islamia having beneficiaries from local schools. Also, institutions like the Raza Foundation and Kiran Nadar Museums of Arts supported us logistically and financially.

Foundation is privileged to have voluntary participation and presence of numerous dignitaries in the festival during last 7 seven years for instances Padma Vibhushan Indian Classical Dancer Sonal Mansingh, Padma Bhushan Sculptor Ram V. Sutaar, Padma Shree Dhrupad Exponent Ustad Wasifuddin Dagar, Renowned Film Historian Aruna Vasudev, Renowned Art Historian Geeti Sen & Acclaimed Art Critique Alka Raghuvanshi, Film Maker Manoj Srivastava, Former Chief Executive of India Habitat Center Raj liberhan, Artists Arpana Kaur, Inder Salim, Rubina Karode & Nuzhat Kazmi. Calligraphers Mohammad Yaseen, Qamar Dagar & Inku Kumar, Fashion Designer Jatin Kochchar Art Curator Ina Puri, Historian Rana Safvi, Authors Bhaichand Patel & Sadia Dehlvi, Sahitya Akadmi Award Winner writer Aruna Chakravarthy, TV Anchor Sadhna Srivastava, Poets Sukrita Paul Kumar & Indira Verma, Photographers Monica Dawar & Rohit Suri, Kathak Dancers Mahua Shankar, Nupur Shankar & Astha Dixit, Art Journalist Rana Siddiqui Zaman, Heritage Activist Vikram Jeet Singh Rooprai, , Cultural Activist Saif Mahmood, Singer Indira Naik.

Padma Vibhushan Art Scholar and Historian Kapila Vatsyayan, acknowledged Tagore Utsav, saying “This indeed is very impressive. You have been doing remarkable work, getting talented artists, as well as poets and speakers. Also, of great significance is the fact that you have invited many artists and art historians to participate in the event, where some children from government, private and public schools, and children from marginalized communities of Delhi will be present.”

Padma Vibhushan Classical Dancer Dr. Sonal Mansingh also appreciated the event and said “It was a delightful experience yesterday morning to celebrate Gurudev Tagore's 152nd Birthday at Kiran Nadar Museum of Arts. I am overwhelmed by the positive energy and clean vibrations emanating from all who were present which happens rarely. Thank you very much for extending the honors and for the beautiful presents handmade by the children, I'll treasure them. I'll deem it a privilege to be associated with your selfless work in any way possible”. Later she twitted to praise the souvenir made by community artists that were presented to her during Tagore Utsav 2018 by saying “Handpainted scarf with Tagore’s Poem on one side and the feminine situation on the other by Aseem Asha Foundation children, Unique Indeed”. Tagore Utsav got attraction from local as well as national media.

Impact

Tagore Utsav has a multilayered impact on society and people. The event created awareness of art among the community in a holistic manner and had given in-depth knowledge of a new culture. Tagore Utsav has also illuminated marginalized sections of society with dignity. It provided the career scope for the student and budding community artists. Two students of Aseem Asha Foundation (Adiba and Atif) got admission to the BFA in Jamia Millia Islamia after being inspired by this project. It has incorporated creativity and education to create a sense of belongingness in this cutthroat competitive world.

Various young & community artists like Monica Dawar, Farhana Saifi, Adeeba Saifi, Mushtaq Ali, Mohd Aqil, Mohd Shakir, Saud, Shadab, Arshad, Ilma, Uma Das, Zainab, Akbar Raza & Students of Sculpture Department, Jamia Millia Islamia got a platform to showcase their talents through exhibitions (Photography, paintings, Sketching, Embroidery, etc.), performances (Dance, Singing, etc) and other related activities. Besides them, the efforts of veteran artists like Mohd Yaseen, Irshad Farooqi, Fauzia Dastango, Qamar Dagar & Sanjoy Sarkar got appreciation through an award ceremony under the category of Performing Art, Visual Art, and Media. Aseem Asha could expose the different facets of Tagore to the people. Through rallies, we did mass sensitization and reached the bottom of the community. India’s best daily newspaper published stories about our Tagore Utsav such as The Hindu, Hindustan Times, Deccan Herald, Pioneer, India Today, Indian Express, Asian Age, and many more.

The huge impact of Tagore Utsav can be seen in the precious words of these personalities.

Sugata Bose, Professor of History at Harvard University has appreciated Aseem Asha to bring such a fascinating work to her attention. Udaya Narayana Singh, Professor from Santiniketan encouraged us for spreading the message of Tagore. An eminent author on Tagore, Rimli Bhattacharya motivated Aseem Asha to do this work, although she acknowledged it is very challenging. Dr. Reeba Som, Reginal Director, ICCR, Kolkata said that the work done by Aseem Asha Foundation is very credible.

Jawahar Sircar, Ex-CEO, Prasar Bharti have congratulated students of Sanshrey (Community Media Initiative) for making wonderful films on Tagore. Shama Zehra Zaidi, Eminent Art Critic has admired our sincere and sensitive efforts. Sushma K Bahl, Noted Art Consultant well-regarded it and said that it is a great initiative that evoked enthusiasm and participation among the attendees. Joyce Yarrow, Noted American Novelist said “I was overwhelmed to be presented with a beautiful gift to take home - Akbar's embroidery is exquisite - in this case, he mimics paintbrush strokes with thread! He is indeed a budding master and that he supports his family doing this while going to school is an extraordinary accomplishment. Shaad's film is incredible! He brings Tagore's poem to life in a modern context. Wow! It was a pleasure and an honor to meet you and your remarkable team of young filmmakers/artists/actors/writers/singers Aseem Asha” She also added, “These students are the flock of the future, winging their way to doing great things!”