Gender activist from Kerala reflects on colonial education and Tagore
A gender activist recounts her college years and the impact of Rabindranath Tagore's visit to Madras.
A gender activist from Kerala has written about her experiences during her college years, reflecting on the colonial education system and the influence of Rabindranath Tagore. According to a report by Scroll, the activist described how British history lessons instilled a sense of inferiority by ignoring Indian achievements in mathematics, medicine, and philosophy.
The activist noted that history lessons often focused on tales like the Battle of Plassey and the Black Hole of Calcutta. She stated that these stories were used by rulers to create a sense of inferiority among Indians.
During her time at Queen Mary’s College, the activist observed various cultural activities, including musical performances and plays. She recalled the performances of Mr Arthur Davis, a professor from Men’s Christian College, who acted in plays such as Macbeth and Hamlet.
The activist also highlighted the visit of Rabindranath Tagore to the Women’s Christian College in Madras. Tagore, who was the first Asian poet to receive the Nobel Prize for literature in 1913, delivered a speech that left a lasting impression.
The piece mentions that the poet WB Yeats once spoke of Tagore's Gitanjali, and CF Andrews, who was present, described the work as haunting. Andrews later became a secretary and friend to Tagore after this incident.