Santiniketan's Global Legacy: A Celebration of World Heritage Recognition

The Dawn of a New Era for Santiniketan

In the heart of Santiniketan, the renowned Upasana Griha echoed with jubilant voices as Visva-Bharati University community, draped in their pristine white traditional garments, marched in a majestic procession.

This glorious event came on the heels of Santiniketan's recent inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List, further cementing its place in global history.

A Global Community Rejoices

Santiniketan's new-found recognition brought immense joy to its students, among them, Sangit Bhavana student Arithri Chowdhury from Chittagong, Bangladesh.

 As Arithri reflects on her five-year journey at this central university, she expresses her overwhelming pride. "Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore envisioned Santiniketan as an educational beacon for the world.

Today, it has rightfully gained global prominence, making every Bengali across the globe beam with pride."

The international acknowledgment came from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, during the 45th session of the World Heritage Committee.

 With this, Santiniketan has etched its name as the 41st UNESCO World Heritage Site in India, joining the ranks of the Sundarbans National Park and the Darjeeling Mountain Railways.

The Tagore Connection

Sharmila Chowdhury, mother to Arithri, feels an intrinsic bond with Tagore's legacy in Santiniketan.

Her admiration for Gurudev Tagore, who spent significant time at Shilaidaha in Bangladesh and began the English translation of his masterpiece 'Gitanjali' there, influenced her decision for her daughter's education.

This very work led Tagore to win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913, and he remains immortalized as the lyricist for both the Indian and Bangladeshi national anthems.

an  University with a Vision

As Nandini Mukherjee, another proud VBU student, articulates, "This UNESCO recognition not only enhances our university's global reputation but allows us to proclaim our association with an institution recognized by such a revered body."

tUnder the guidance of Vice-chancellor Bidyut Chakrabarty, the procession's path wove its way from the Upasana Griha to the central library near Lipika Auditorium.

His message was clear, urging everyone to uphold the university's vision, "One that bridges the world and its diverse populace, fulfilling Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore's aspirations."

Expressing gratitude, he acknowledged the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Union education and culture ministries for their unwavering support in achieving this landmark recognition.

A Celebration of Heritage

The day's festivities culminated with a grand cultural program at the Lipika Auditorium. The entire Visva-Bharati community gathered, celebrating not just a milestone but the actualization of a vision that began with Tagore's dream of a global educational hub.

In this new era, Santiniketan stands as a testament to the power of education, vision, and global unity.

 It's not merely a heritage site; it's a beacon of hope for the future generations.