"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."

- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam

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Shantiniketan's Gem: The World's First Living Heritage University

Visva-Bharati University in Shantiniketan is set to make history by becoming the world's first "living heritage university". This historic university, located in Shantiniketan, West Bengal, India, is expected to receive the heritage tag from UNESCO in April or May 2023.  This is a first-of-its-kind recognition, as the heritage tag is usually given to dead monuments, but Visva-Bharati University, being a living and functioning university, is poised to become the first ever to receive this prestigious recognition. Visva-Bharati University was established in 1921 by Rabindranath Tagore with the goal of advancing outdoor education, a concept that is still in use today. The university offers numerous institutes that provide courses in a variety of subjects, including the humanities, arts, music, and more. The guiding ideals of excellence in culture and cultural studies are still promoted by these institutes. The Kalo Bari, the Mastermoshai Studio, the murals and paintings on Cheena and Hindi Bhavan, among other various architectural constructions, are just a few of Visva-Bharati University's numerous distinctive features that make it special. These buildings demonstrate the university's dedication to safeguarding and promoting cultural heritage. In conclusion, Visva-Bharati University is a living example of India's rich cultural heritage and a testimony to Rabindranath Tagore's vision and commitment to promoting education and culture. The recognition by UNESCO as a "living heritage university" will ensure that this legacy will continue to be cherished and celebrated for generations to come.

10 Feb 2023
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Remembering women from Tagore’s family 

As the country observes the 156th birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore, Kolkata celebrates it in a unique way.  On Rabindranath Tagore's 156th birth anniversary, Visva-Bharati has decided to pay tribute to some of the most talented women of the Tagore household,. These women are the pioneers of societal change in 19th century Bengal. A museum ‘Thakurbarir Kalyani’ has come up inside Rabindra Bhavan in Visva-Bharati to celebrate at least 25 of these women whose achievements were not well documented all this while.  Tagore helped all these women by being a catalyst to help them achieve their greatness. Starting with Tagore's mother Sarada Devi, the museum takes visitors through the lives of his sisters, sisters-in-law, daughters and nieces who thought ahead of their times. Being country’s first fashion designer, Tagore’s sister-in-law Gyanadanandini Devi was a believer of free environment and thoughts in the society. She designed modern way of wearing saree accompanied with jackets.  Together with Tagore, she started 'Balak' magazine, converted two popular fairy tales into plays and regularly wrote essays for 'Bharati' magazine. Two of Tagore's elder sisters, Soudamini Devi and Swarnakumari Devi were at that time considered to be equally good writers. While the former translated Hafez, wrote a treatise on father Debendranath and penned songs, with Tagore dedicating his 'Bouthakur-anir Haat' to her, the latter was the first novelist of the Tagore household. Among the others who have been included in the exhibition are Tagore's sisters-in-law Kadambari Devi and Prafullamoyee Devi, his wife Mrinalini, daughter-in-law Pratima Devi, nieces Indira Devi Chowdhurani and Sarala Devi and sister Barna Kumari Devi. According to a report published in The Times of India, Visva-Bharati VC Swapan Kumar Dutta said, “As we delved deep into the lives of these brilliant women, we were amazed at their depth and their contribution to modern Bengal. Very little had been known about them so far and this is our tribute to Tagore this year. However, this is just the beginning and we will keep adding to the collection.”    

9 May 2017
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