15th January 2025

The Surprising Connection Between Robert Burns and India

Every year on January 25th, people around the world gather to celebrate Burns Night, a festive occasion dedicated to honoring the life and work of Robert Burns, Scotland’s national poet. From reciting his poems to enjoying traditional fare like haggis, neeps and tatties, Burns Night is a time to celebrate Scotland’s rich cultural heritage. But did you know that there is an unexpected connection between Robert Burns and India?

Robert Burns: A Poet Who Spoke to the World

Born in 1759 in Ayrshire, Scotland, Robert Burns became a literary giant whose works are still celebrated across the globe. His poems, songs and ballads reflect the spirit of Scotland, with themes of freedom, equality, and humanity. Burns’ legacy is most famously embodied in his poem “Auld Lang Syne,” which is sung around the world at New Year’s celebrations and other significant occasions.

While Burns’ work is quintessentially Scottish, it speaks to universal themes that transcend national borders, which might explain why his influence reached far beyond the UK—into places like India.

The Connection Between Robert Burns and India

The link between Robert Burns and India dates back to the early 19th century, a time when the British Empire had a significant presence in India. One of the most fascinating stories surrounding Burns and India involves the Bengali poet, Rabindranath Tagore.

Tagore and Burns

Rabindranath Tagore, widely regarded as one of India’s greatest literary figures, was said to be influenced by Burns. Tagore, born in 1861, grew up in a Bengal that was steeped in British colonial influence, where Scottish literature, including that of Robert Burns was admired by intellectuals. Tagore was supposedly introduced to Burns’ work at a young age.

It seems that Tagore was so moved by Burns’ poetry that he translated many of Burns’ songs into Bengali, making them accessible to a whole new audience in India. Tagore, who was already an accomplished poet, admired the simplicity and emotional depth of Burns’ work and saw a connection between the spirit of Scottish folk music and Indian poetry.

In his translations, Tagore not only captured the essence of Burns’ themes of love, nature and freedom, but also integrated them into the broader context of Indian philosophy and spirituality. This helped to bridge the gap between two distinct literary traditions.

Burns and the Indian Independence Movement

Burns’ influence also reached the broader Indian independence movement in the early 20th century. His themes of freedom and resistance resonated with the leaders of India’s struggle for independence from British rule. Subhas Chandra Bose, one of the prominent leaders of the independence movement, quoted him in his speeches to inspire the masses.

Burns and Beyond: The Continued Legacy of Cultural Exchange

The connection between Scotland and India through Burns’ work highlights how cultural exchanges transcend geographical and historical boundaries. Today, artists and musicians continue to find common ground between the two cultures, creating collaborations that draw from both Scottish folk traditions and South Asian musical forms.

In this spirit, Midday Mantra: Burns and Beyond, on January 25th, 2025, will celebrate Burns Night in a truly unique way. The event will feature a fusion of South Asian rhythms and Scottish fiddle music, with performances from renowned artists like tabla player Mendi Singh and Ruth Lindsay, a skilled Scottish fiddler. It’s a fantastic way to experience how the heart of Scotland and the soul of South Asia can come together to honour Robert Burns—one of the world’s most influential poets.

Event Details

  • Date: January 25th, 2025
  • Time: 1:00 PM
  • Venue: Symphony Hall, Broad Street, Birmingham, B1 2EA
  • Price: From £5

Get Your Tickets Here

Join us for a celebration of Burns and Beyond—a fusion of cultures that reflects the universal power of Burns’ timeless words.