Tagore’s Legacy Recognised by UNESCO as World Heritage Site
Shantiniketan, the iconic cultural and educational institution founded by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore over a century ago, has rightfully made it to the UNESCO World Heritage List, solidifying its status as a globally recognized heritage site.
Kaviguru Rabindranath Tagore’s abode of peace, Shantiniketan, the university town in the Birbhum district of West Bengal has been included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List. The announcement was made on Sunday, September 17 by the international agency in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where the 45th session of the World Heritage Committee is taking place.
Santiniketan is one of the 42 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India and the third site in West Bengal, along with the Sundarbans National Park and the Darjeeling Mountain Railways. Last year, the state’s Durga Puja also became the “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity” under UNESCO.
Thrilled at its inclusion on the heritage site list, PM Modi wrote in Bangla, “Delighted that Santiniketan, an embodiment of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore’s vision and India’s rich cultural heritage, has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This is a proud moment for all Indians.” Meanwhile, West Bengal’s CM Mamata Banerjee congratulated the people of West Bengal posting, “Glad and proud that our Santiniketan, the town of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, is now finally included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Biswa Bangla’s pride, Santiniketan was nurtured by the poet and has been supported by the people of Bengal over the generations. Kudos to all who love Bengal, Tagore, and his messages of fraternity. Jai Bangla, Pranam to Gurudev “. The Archaeological Survey of India also celebrated this achievement as a momentous one.
Santiniketan, located approximately 160 km from Kolkata has its roots in the ashram established by Debendranath Tagore, Rabindranath Tagore’s father, who was a prominent figure in the Indian Renaissance. The ashram provided a space for meditation where everyone, irrespective of their religion, was allowed to come and ponder the concept of the Supreme God in tranquillity. Debendranath built the Santiniketan Griha and the stained glass Mandir, a non-denominational place of worship, both historically significant structures from the late 19th century.
Santiniketan is not just a cultural heritage site but also home to Visva-Bharati University, one of India’s most highly regarded institutions. Established by Rabindranath Tagore in 1921, the university provides a wide variety of degree programs in humanities, social sciences, sciences, fine arts, music, etc. Tagore founded this institution to experiment with his concept of education at Santiniketan to great significance. Tagore believed that education is synonymous with life and that it alone can grant us true freedom of the mind and heart. Another goal of his educational philosophy is to promote international understanding and brotherhood. He emphasized equality and oneness among all beings by highlighting the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of humans. Shantiniketan’s heritage being acknowledged by UNESCO will promote Tagore’s unique vision and legacy globally.
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