TAGORE MAKES HISTORY: FIRST NON-EUROPEAN WINS NOBEL LITERATURE PRIZE 

Stockholm: Rabindranath Tagore was awarded the 1913 Nobel Prize in Literature in form. He received the award for his verse book, Gitanjali (Song Offerings). He also translated some of the verses into English. The event was a landmark in history. Tagore was the first non-European to be honoured in the history of the Nobel Prizes. He was also the first Indian to receive this recognition.  

It was announced at Nobel Foundation in Stockholm, Sweden. The award was officially given there. This is the city where the annual prizes are given out. Tagore could not travel to Sweden due to his health. Therefore, the British Ambassador conferred the award on him. The award and the diploma were later presented to Tagore in Calcutta (now Kolkata), India the next month.  

The Nobel Committee elected Tagore as a laureate. They intensely admired the deep beautiful nature and the spiritual depth of his writing. The English version of the book Gitanjali was especially a source of fascination to the Swedish Academy. This edition had been introduced by British painter William Rothenstein. Later, it received a very positive review by a Swedish author, Sven Hedin. The Academy recognised the sensitivity and newness in his work. They appreciated the beauty that had become part of western literature. It was crafted in his own diction which was in English. They came to the conclusion that his work had universal appeal and literary excellence, which deserves the greatest international award.  

The choice was according to traditional Nobel steps. Nominations: The nomination of Tagore to the prize was done by the British writer Thomas Sturge Moore and others.

Review: His works were investigated by the Swedish Academy. Members actively supported Gitanjali after the English translation. This support helped the text reach European judges.

Selection & Announcement: The Academy voted to name him as a laureate, publicly announced in November 1913. Ceremony: The formal ceremony took place in Stockholm on December 10, 1913, Nobel Day. The physical award (medal and diploma) went to the British envoy. Tagore was absent due to health-related issues.

Indian Presentation: In January 1914 the Viceroy of India in Calcutta presented the physical prizes to the glorious Tagore.