Rabindranath Tagore's Shantiniketan becomes a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Rabindranath Tagore’s Shantiniketan becomes a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Shantiniketan, founded by Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore in 1901, has earned a place on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. This prestigious institution, situated in the university town of West Bengal’s Birbhum district, was established as a residential school and a centre for the arts. It was built on the principles of ancient Indian traditions and a vision for humanity that transcended religious and cultural boundaries.

The inclusion of Shantiniketan on the UNESCO World Heritage List was announced during the 45th session of the World Heritage Committee in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, which took place until September 25.

This recognition makes Shantiniketan the 41st UNESCO World Heritage Site in India and the third in West Bengal, joining the ranks of the Sundarbans and the Darjeeling Mountain Railways.

In the previous year, West Bengal’s Durga Puja secured a place on the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list by UNESCO.

Shantiniketan’s selection as a UNESCO World Heritage Site can be attributed to several factors, with one significant aspect being the celebration of Rabindranath Tagore’s 150th birth anniversary in 2010.

103755063

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his delight over this achievement, acknowledging Shantiniketan as an embodiment of Tagore’s vision and India’s rich cultural heritage.

West Bengal’s Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, also celebrated the inclusion of Shantiniketan in UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

Shantiniketan’s development over the years has been generously supported by the people of Bengal, further nurturing Tagore’s vision.

The institution was established based on rich Indian culture and traditions, with Tagore founding it as a centre for the arts and Indian traditions. Later, in 1921, it evolved into the world-renowned Visva-Bharati University.

The nomination for UNESCO recognition included a dossier that emphasized Shantiniketan’s close association with Rabindranath Tagore’s life, work, and vision. It highlighted the institution’s commitment to global cooperation, care for people and the environment, and its embrace of a modern Asian style.

The dossier also highlighted the community of intellectuals, teachers, artists, and skilled individuals who collaborated at Shantiniketan, fostering a unique style in architecture, art, product design, and town planning.

103755090

Shantiniketan’s approach to art education was compared to influential art movements of the past, such as Bauhaus, German expressionism, and Mingei in Japan. While these movements valued craftsmanship and creativity, Shantiniketan’s approach was more human-centred and open to diverse influences.

The dossier was meticulously prepared by Professor Manish Chakraborti of the School of Architecture and Planning at Sister Nivedita University in Kolkata, along with conservation architect Abha Narain Lambah.

To secure UNESCO recognition, India submitted a plan of action to demonstrate its commitment to preserving and protecting the site. The property, spanning 36 hectares, will be conserved and protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), with a buffer zone of 537 hectares also regulated by the ASI to prevent construction activities.

The journey to UNESCO recognition involved years of research, with much of the groundwork laid in the previous 2010 dossier.

The announcement of Shantiniketan’s UNESCO inclusion was met with joy, and a procession was held on the campus to celebrate this momentous achievement.

103755113

University Vice-Chancellor Bidyut Chakrabarti expressed gratitude for the recognition and emphasized the dedication of the staff in upholding Tagore’s legacy and passing it on to the next generation.

In addition to Shantiniketan, other sites, including Ancient Jericho in Palestine, the Zarafshan-Karakum Corridor of Silk Roads in Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, the Gedeo Cultural Landscape in Ethiopia, and the Cultural Landscape of Old Tea Forests of the Jingmai Mountain in China’s Pu’er, also earned a place on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

For more news like this visit TOI. Get all the Latest News, City News, India News, Business News, and Sports News. For Entertainment News, TV News, and Lifestyle Tips visit Etimes