Rabindranath Tagore was a poet, playwright, and philosopher. He was the first person from India to win a Nobel Prize in 1913. Today marks the 163rd birth anniversary of this legendary writer. His poems and short stories, deeply rooted in Indian culture and universal themes, continue to captivate readers around the world. Let's read about some of Tagore's most famous short stories:

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Kabuliwala

This short story is often taught as part of the school syllabus in Indian schools. Set in Calcutta, ‘Kabuliwala’ tells the story of the friendship between a young girl named Mini and Rahmat, a Kabuliwala (a fruit-seller from Kabul). Tagore explores themes of empathy, childhood innocence, longing, and the universal bond between human beings.

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 The Postmaster

‘The Postmaster’ shows the relationship between a lonely postmaster and Ratan, a young village girl who works as his maid. Tagore depicts the complexities of human connection and the longing for companionship.

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The Homecoming

‘The Homecoming’ portrays the emotional reunion between a mother, Subha, and her son, Satish, who returns home after completing his education in the city. Tagore discusses themes of tradition, family, and the tension between modernity and traditional values in Indian society.

The Hungry Stones

The story is about a tax collector who visits a small town and becomes entranced by the ancient ruins of a palace. The mystical allure of the palace leads to a haunting experience.

The Wife's Letter

This story revolves around Mrinal, a woman who fights against the traditional roles assigned to women in society. Mrinal writes a letter to her husband, expressing her desire for independence. Through Mrinal's letter, Tagore critiques the patriarchal norms that restrict women's autonomy and agency, highlighting the importance of individual identity and freedom.

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