Poets often have the ability to win the hearts and minds in a way that cynical politicians, diplomats, and the military can only hope for. Their words strike a chord across borders, speaking to the universal elements of humanity that is common to all. There is something to be said about the universal spirituality of the Lebanese poet Kahlil Gibran whose poetry is revered in the Arab World, Europe, and America; the lyrically beautiful verses of Faiz Ahmed Faiz which are evoked by both Indians and Pakistanis; and Rabrindranath Tagore who is beloved by Bengalis in India and Bangladesh.

A few years ago, while I was reading Amartya Sen's piece on Rabindranath Tagore in India: A Mosaic, I discovered that Tagore was apparently a big hit in Argentina.

Now, Argentina is not the only place in Latin America where Tagore is venerated. Recently, a statue of Tagore was unveiled in Havana, Cuba:

Indian Ambassador to Cuba Mitra Vasisht called the famous Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore "an icon of humankind," during the unveiling of his statue to commemorate his 146th birth anniversary in Havana.

Havana University historian Eusebio Leal paid tribute on the occasion and described his works as eternal.

"His words and poetry sound like new each and every day," said Leal Monday, who mused on the link of lyrics and philosophy of Tagore's works [Link].

Another piece of the desh outside of the desh.