The famed cultural centre Santiniketan, which is located in West Bengal, has made great progress by being included to the UNESCO World Heritage List. UNESCO made the distinguished inclusion’s announcement on its official platform on Sunday.
In a tweet, UNESCO proudly declared, “New addition to the @UNESCO #WorldHeritage List: Santiniketan, #India. Congratulations!” This recognition has been a long-cherished aspiration for India, particularly for the Birbhum district, where Santiniketan is located.
This historic site, founded over a century ago in 1901 by the illustrious poet and philosopher Rabindranath Tagore, originally served as a residential school and a center for art rooted in ancient Indian traditions. Tagore envisioned it as a place that transcended religious and cultural boundaries, promoting the unity of humanity. In 1921, it transformed into a ‘world university,’ adopting the name “Visva Bharati.”
Santiniketan’s architectural style stands apart from the prevailing British colonial and European modernist influences of the early 20th century. Instead, it embraces a pan-Asian modernity, drawing inspiration from ancient, medieval, and folk traditions across the region.
Today, Santiniketan has blossomed into a serene and picturesque town, with its university at its heart, attracting tourists seeking a blend of knowledge and aesthetic brilliance. It is truly a unique haven where the lines between education and artistry gracefully converge.