Daily Current Affairs : 19-September-2023
Santiniketan, a charming town nestled in the Birbhum district of West Bengal, has recently achieved a remarkable milestone. It has been included in UNESCO’s prestigious World Heritage List, a recognition that celebrates its cultural and historical significance. In this essay, we will delve into the journey of Santiniketan towards this recognition, explore its historical and cultural roots, and understand the significance of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Santiniketan: A Place of Significance
Spiritual Beginnings and a Name That Speaks Peace
In the year 1862, Debendranath Tagore, the father of the renowned poet Rabindranath Tagore, stumbled upon the picturesque landscape of Santiniketan. Enchanted by its tranquility, he decided to establish an ashram there, which he aptly named “Santiniketan,” meaning the “abode of peace.” This name beautifully encapsulated the serene essence of the place.
The Birth of an Educational Haven
In 1901, Rabindranath Tagore took a significant step by selecting a substantial portion of land in Santiniketan. Here, he founded a school that drew inspiration from the Brahmachary Ashram model. This humble beginning later blossomed into the renowned Visva Bharati University, which stands as a testament to his visionary approach to education.
UNESCO World Heritage Status
Recognition of Multifaceted Significance
Santiniketan’s journey to UNESCO World Heritage Site status began with a proposal from the Ministry of Culture. This recognition shines a spotlight on its importance across various domains, including human values, architecture, arts, town planning, and landscape design. It acknowledges Santiniketan’s role in preserving and propagating a rich cultural heritage.
Preservation Efforts
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has played a vital role in the restoration and preservation of numerous structures in Santiniketan. Their dedication ensures that the town’s historical and cultural treasures remain intact for generations to come.
Rabindranath Tagore: A Literary Luminary
Early Life and Background
Rabindranath Tagore was born on May 7, 1861, into a prominent Bengali family in Calcutta. He was the youngest of thirteen children, hailing from a respected lineage.
A Polymath and Renaissance Figure
Tagore’s talents transcended boundaries. He was not just a poet but also a philosopher, musician, playwright, painter, educator, and social reformer. His multifaceted contributions enriched various aspects of culture and society.
Nobel Laureate and Renunciation
In 1913, Rabindranath Tagore achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Asian to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature for his collection of poems titled “Gitanjali” (Song Offerings). He was also knighted for his services to literature but later renounced this title in protest against the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre in 1919.
Legacy and Literary Works
Tagore’s literary legacy is vast, comprising poems, short stories, novels, essays, and plays. His notable works include “The Home and the World,” “Gora,” “Gitanjali,” “Ghare-Baire,” “Manasi,” “Balaka,” “Sonar Tori,” and “Kabuliwala.” His writings explored themes such as love, nature, and spirituality, characterized by lyrical and philosophical qualities.
Social Visionary and Philosopher
Tagore was not only an artistic giant but also a social visionary who championed unity, harmony, and tolerance. He criticized British colonial rule and actively supported the cause of Indian independence. His philosophy emphasized humanism, spirituality, and the interconnectedness of nature and humanity.
Enduring Legacy
Rabindranath Tagore’s passing on August 7, 1941, left behind a profound literary legacy that continues to influence Indian and global culture.
Understanding UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Defining UNESCO World Heritage Sites
UNESCO World Heritage Sites are places recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for their distinctive cultural or physical importance, considered of outstanding value to humanity. These sites can include buildings, cities, complexes, deserts, forests, islands, lakes, monuments, mountains, and more.
The Purpose of UNESCO World Heritage Sites
UNESCO designates these sites to protect them for future generations to appreciate and enjoy due to their special cultural or physical significance and outstanding universal value to humanity. Italy boasts the greatest number of World Heritage Sites, while India currently has 38 such properties.
Selection and Protection Criteria
To become a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a place must be a landmark with unique historical or cultural significance. It must also signify a remarkable accomplishment of humanity and serve as evidence of our intellectual history on the planet. These sites are intended for practical conservation to safeguard them from risks such as trespassing, unmonitored access, and administrative negligence.
The Role of UNESCO World Heritage Committee
The international World Heritage Program, administered by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, maintains the World Heritage List and the List of World Heritage in Danger. This committee selects sites for inclusion, monitors their conservation status, and allocates financial assistance as needed. It consists of 21 states parties elected by the General Assembly of States Parties.
Important Points:
Santiniketan: A Cultural Gem on UNESCO’s World Heritage List
- Santiniketan, a town in West Bengal, recently added to UNESCO World Heritage List (India’s 41st site).
- Founded by Debendranath Tagore in 1862, named “Santiniketan” (abode of peace).
- Rabindranath Tagore established a school here in 1901, which evolved into Visva Bharati University.
- UNESCO recognition for its human values, architecture, arts, town planning, and landscape design.
- Preservation efforts led by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to safeguard cultural heritage.
Rabindranath Tagore: A Literary Luminary
- Rabindranath Tagore, born in 1861, a polymath, poet, philosopher, musician, and more.
- Nobel Laureate in Literature (1913) for “Gitanjali.”
- Knighted by King George V in 1915 but renounced title in protest (1919 Jallianwala Bagh Massacre).
- Composed national anthems for India (“Jana Gana Mana”) and Bangladesh (“Amar Shonar Bangla”).
- Vast literary legacy: poems, short stories, novels, essays, and plays.
- Advocated for social reform, unity, harmony, and Indian independence.
- Emphasized humanism, spirituality, and interconnectedness with nature.
- Lyrical and philosophical writing style.
Understanding UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites recognized for cultural or physical significance to humanity.
- Can include buildings, cities, complexes, deserts, forests, islands, lakes, monuments, mountains, etc.
- Intended for preservation for future generations due to special cultural or physical importance.
- Italy has the most World Heritage Sites; India has 38.
- Selection criteria include uniqueness, historical or cultural significance, and contribution to human history.
- Sites protected from risks like trespassing and negligence.
- UNESCO World Heritage Committee selects, monitors, and funds these sites.
- Composed of 21 states parties elected by the General Assembly of States Parties.
Why In News
In 2010, the journey to secure UNESCO World Heritage Site status for Santiniketan, a town nestled in the Birbhum district of West Bengal, was initiated. This notable achievement now designates Santiniketan as India’s 41st World Heritage Site, a testament to its rich cultural and historical significance, celebrated worldwide.
MCQs about UNESCO World Heritage and Tagore’s Legacy
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What does the name “Santiniketan” mean?
A) Place of Wisdom
B) Abode of Peace
C) Land of Enlightenment
D) Garden of Tranquility
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Which organization recognizes and designates World Heritage Sites?
A) UNICEF
B) WHO
C) UNESCO
D) UNHCR
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What was Rabindranath Tagore’s notable work that earned him the Nobel Prize in Literature?
A) Gora
B) Manasi
C) Gitanjali
D) Balaka
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What is the primary purpose of designating a place as a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
A) To encourage tourism
B) To generate revenue
C) To protect cultural and historical heritage
D) To promote political agendas
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