Who said being a progressive thinker doesn’t support feminism? Tagore was himself not a hardcore follower of feminism but women in his creations were. It was only Rabindranath Tagore who had the guts to come up with such hysterical and intrepid women during that time. His writings were bold enough to think years coming ahead. Being in touch with a woman of substance like Kadambari since his early days had instigated him to think of the women upliftment and the best part it he took the pen as his weapon. Let us check a few women who fought for their self-esteem, justice and freedom for their own self in society.
Charulata:
“Nastanir” by Tagore was the one where the wife was confined within the four walls of her room and tried to find solace in her brother in law Amal. Her audaciousness was expressed in every take while confronting her husband and proved her inclination towards Amal.
Binodini:
Binodini is the most desperate attempt of Tagore for she talked about her sexual liberation in a love triangle. “Chokher Bali” was the perfect example of a story of adultery, distrust and lies. This is where Tagore showed how male dominated society takes the license on the women and showed their path to freedom in the most beautiful way.
Hemalini:
Hemalini in “Noukadubi” was too stubborn to marry her brother’s associate though her love Ramesh got married to someone without letting her know beforehand. Kamala in Noukodubi was equally strong because the moment she was aware of the fact that the person she had been living with was not her husband, she never gave a second thought to go out.
Labanya:
In “Shesher Kabita”, labanya was a strong willed woman who was high spirited, freedom loving and highly educated and sophisticated. Oxford return Amit was the one whom she fell for. But the characters questioned about marriage being the ultimate goal of love.
Tagore’s contribution to the society will always be remembered and literary society will be proud to cherish his creations. And this is the only reason that Tagore’s conceptions and creations are no more confined only to pages, but has appeared in celluloid too. Therefore, let us be the woman he has always wanted.
