Santiniketan UNESCO World Heritage List
Source: Live Mint
GS II: Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate
Overview
- News in Brief
- About Santhinikethan
- Other sites which found a place on the list
Why in the News?
Santiniketan, a town in West Bengal, was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List during the 45th Session of the World Heritage Committee in Saudi Arabia.
News in Brief
- This was announced by the international agency in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where the 45th session of the World Heritage Committee is being held till September 25.
- Santiniketan becomes the 41st UNESCO World Heritage Site in India and the third in West Bengal, after the Sundarbans National Park and the Darjeeling Mountain Railways.
- Last year, the state’s Durga Puja got space in the “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity” under UNESCO.
- There had been repeated efforts in the past to secure the status of UNESCO World Heritage Site for Santiniketan, especially in the run-up to Tagore’s 150th birth anniversary in 2010.
About Santhinikethan
Santiniketan, founded by the illustrious poet, philosopher, and Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, is a renowned educational and cultural institution located in the Birbhum district of West Bengal, India.
It holds a special place in India’s intellectual and cultural heritage.
Santiniketan
- Founding and Philosophy
- Santiniketan, which means “Abode of Peace,” was founded by Rabindranath Tagore in 1901.
- It started as an experiment in education based on Tagore’s vision of a holistic and integrated approach to learning.
- His educational philosophy aimed at breaking away from the rigidities of traditional education.
- It aims to foster an environment where students can connect with nature, arts, and culture.
- Nature-Centric Education
- Santiniketan’s unique feature was its open-air classrooms, where students studied under trees.
- Tagore believed that the natural environment could be a powerful teacher.
- The curriculum at Santiniketan emphasized a close connection with nature, and students were encouraged to learn from the world around them.
- Cultural and Artistic Hub
- Santiniketan became a hub for arts and culture under Tagore’s guidance.
- It played a pivotal role in the revival of traditional Indian arts and crafts.
- Tagore believed in the integration of artistic expression with education.
- Santiniketan became known for its cultural festivals, music, dance, and theater performances.
- Internationalism
- Tagore’s outlook was not limited to India.
- Santiniketan attracted scholars, artists, and students from around the world.
- It became a center for international cultural exchange, reflecting Tagore’s belief in the universality of knowledge and culture.
- Visva-Bharati University
- In 1921, Santiniketan was expanded into Visva-Bharati University, a central university that embodies Tagore’s educational ideals.
- It continues to follow his philosophy of education and cultural enrichment.
Rabindranath Tagore
- Role as Founder
- Rabindranath Tagore’s role in Santiniketan was multifaceted.
- He not only founded the institution but also served as its guiding light.
- His educational experiments, poems, songs, and plays were an integral part of Santiniketan’s curriculum and cultural life.
- Educational Vision
- Tagore’s educational vision was centred on the idea that education should be a liberating experience, nurturing the mind and soul.
- He emphasized the importance of creativity, critical thinking, and a deep connection with one’s cultural roots.
- Cultural Contribution
- Tagore’s contributions to Indian culture are immeasurable.
- His compositions, including the national anthems of India (Jana Gana Mana) and Bangladesh (Amar Shonar Bangla), are celebrated worldwide.
- His literary works, such as “Gitanjali” (Song Offerings), earned him the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913.
- Social Reformer
- Beyond education and culture, Tagore was a social reformer and a strong advocate for humanism and internationalism.
- He used his literary and intellectual prowess to address societal issues and promote peace and harmony.
Conclusion
In summary, Santiniketan stands as a testament to Rabindranath Tagore’s progressive educational and cultural ideals. It continues to be a revered institution in India, attracting students and artists from various corners of the world. Rabindranath Tagore’s legacy, both as a visionary educator and a cultural icon, remains deeply intertwined with Santiniketan’s identity and mission.
Other sites which found a place on the list
- Ancient Jericho in Palestine
- Cultural Landscape of Old Tea Forests of the Jingmai Mountain in China’s Pu’er.
- Gedeo Cultural Landscape in Ethiopia;
- Zarafshan Karakum Corridor of Silk Roads in Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
Practice Questions For Mains
Q. Explain the significance of Santiniketan and the role of Rabindranath Tagore in its establishment and development.
Practice Questions For Prelims
Q: What is the significance of Santiniketan, founded by Rabindranath Tagore?
A) It is a renowned archaeological site dating back to ancient India.
B) It is a center for the revival of traditional Indian medicine.
C) It is an educational and cultural institution embodying Tagore’s holistic philosophy of education and artistic expression.
D) It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its unique architecture.
Answer: C) It is an educational and cultural institution embodying Tagore’s holistic philosophy of education and artistic expression.
Explanation: Santiniketan, founded by Rabindranath Tagore, is primarily known for its role as an educational and cultural institution that follows Tagore’s holistic philosophy of education and artistic expression. It is a centre for arts, culture, and progressive education, emphasizing a deep connection with nature and a well-rounded approach to learning.
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