Rabindranath Tagore’s enduring legacy continues to inspire generations, Higher Education Minister Kishor Barman said at a Baishe Shravan programme in Tripura, highlighting the Nobel laureate’s contributions to literature, culture, education, humanism, rural development and national consciousness.
Rabindranath Tagore’s legacy continues to inspire generations through his contributions to literature, culture, education, social thought, art and humanism, Higher Education Minister Kishor Barman said while paying tribute to the Nobel laureate on his death anniversary.
Barman was speaking as the chief guest at a programme organised by the Department of Information and Cultural Affairs at Mukta Dhara Auditorium on Saturday to observe Baishe Shravan, the death anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore. The programme brought together cultural personalities, writers, officials and students to remember the life, works and philosophy of the poet.
Describing Tagore as a multifaceted personality, Barman said his contribution could not be limited to poetry and literature alone. According to the minister, Tagore made significant contributions to social thought, art, education and the broader cause of humanity, leaving behind a legacy that continues to remain relevant across generations.
“Tagore has no death,” Barman said, stressing that the poet continues to live through language, literature, culture, art and the collective consciousness of the nation. He said Tagore’s thoughts, ideals and creative works remain meaningful even in the present era and would continue to inspire people as long as humanity and humanistic values are cherished.
Barman said Tagore envisioned an India where every individual could live with dignity and hold their head high. He viewed culture as an important source of confidence and believed that India’s intellectual and knowledge traditions should be shared with the wider world.
The minister also highlighted Tagore’s efforts to strengthen rural culture alongside urban cultural activities. He said several of Tagore’s ideas continue to find relevance in India’s development journey, particularly in areas connected with education, culture, social development and human values.
Highlighting Tagore’s close connection with Tripura, Barman said the Nobel laureate maintained a cordial relationship with members of the erstwhile Tripura royal family. The association between Tagore and Tripura, he added, remains an important part of the state’s cultural heritage.
Addressing students at the programme, Barman emphasised that education should not remain restricted to the pursuit of academic degrees. Students, he said, should develop skills in emerging fields, gain knowledge of technology and simultaneously grow into responsible citizens.
Such an approach, Barman said, would contribute to the further progress of the country and Tripura in education, culture and literature. He urged students to draw inspiration from Tagore’s broad vision and his emphasis on creativity, knowledge, responsibility and humanism.
Vice-Chairman of the State Cultural Advisory Committee Subrata Chakraborty also spoke at the programme, highlighting the extraordinary range of Tagore’s creative achievements. He said Tagore’s genius extended across poetry, drama, dance-dramas, painting, acting, recitation and literature.
Chakraborty said Tagore’s works reflected deep humanism as well as love for the nation. His creative works, he added, continue to influence cultural and literary thought in India and beyond.
Eminent litterateur Minakshi Bhattacharya spoke about Tagore’s philosophy of moving towards the path of light and described him as a great lover of nature. She also discussed various dimensions of his literary and artistic contributions and their continuing relevance.
In his welcome address, Director of the Department of Information and Cultural Affairs Bimbisar Bhattacharya described Tagore as a personality of extraordinary versatility. He said Tagore’s life, works and philosophy continue to remain relevant in contemporary society.
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Bimbisar Bhattacharya also highlighted Tagore’s commitment to patriotism and humanity, noting that his ideas continue to provide inspiration in an ever-changing social and cultural environment.
The Baishe Shravan observance thus served as a tribute to Tagore’s enduring contribution to literature, culture and human values, while highlighting the continued relevance of his ideas among present and future generations.
