Visva-Bharati University, located in Santiniketan, West Bengal, India, is a unique institution of higher education that has recently been recognized as the world’s first “living heritage university” by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). This recognition is a significant achievement for the university, which was founded by Rabindranath Tagore in 1921 with the aim of promoting the arts, humanities, and culture studies. The university has a long history of preserving cultural heritage, promoting artistic expression, and fostering creativity and imagination, making it a true living heritage university.
History and Background
Visva-Bharati University was established by Rabindranath Tagore in 1921 as a centre for culture, with the goal of promoting the arts, languages, humanities, music, and culture studies. Tagore believed that education should not be limited to the classroom, but rather should be an open-air experience that allows students to learn from nature, art, and the environment. This philosophy of open-air education is still upheld at the university today, and the campus is designed to be a cultural and artistic hub, with a number of museums, galleries, and performance spaces.
Over the years, Visva-Bharati University has gained a reputation as one of the leading institutions of higher education in India, attracting students from all over the world. In 1951, the university was granted the status of a central university, and it has since become an important centre for research and learning in a wide range of disciplines. Today, the university offers a variety of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs, and is recognized as one of the premier institutions of higher education in India.
UNESCO Recognition
Visva-Bharati University’s recognition as a “living heritage university” by UNESCO is a unique achievement, as heritage status is usually only granted to monuments, not functioning universities. The recognition came more than a decade after the Union Culture Ministry repeatedly requested recognition of Tagore’s cultural significance in the run-up to his 150th birthday in 2010. UNESCO’s recognition of Visva-Bharati University as a living heritage university is a testament to the university’s cultural and educational significance, as well as its role in preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of India.
Tagore’s Philosophy of Education
Rabindranath Tagore’s philosophy of education is one of the defining features of Visva-Bharati University. Tagore believed that education should not be limited to academic study, but should also encompass an appreciation of nature, art, and culture. He believed that students should be exposed to the rich cultural heritage of India, as well as the cultural traditions of other countries, and that they should have the opportunity to learn from the natural environment, such as through gardening and agriculture.
Tagore’s philosophy of education has had a profound impact on the development of Visva-Bharati University, and the university continues to promote this approach to education today. The university encourages students to engage with nature and the environment, and to use their creativity and imagination to solve problems and explore new ideas. This approach to education has helped to create a unique learning environment that fosters innovation, creativity, and intellectual curiosity.
