DU Correspondent

The 164th birth anniversary of iconic poet Rabindranath Tagore was celebrated at Dhaka University on Thursday.

To mark the Rabindra jayanti a discussion meeting followed by a cultural programme was held at the auditorium of the Teacher-Student Centre (TSC).

Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan, presided over the event while Pro-VC (Admin) Prof. Dr. Sayma Haque Bidisha, Pro-VC (Education) Prof. Dr. Mamun Ahmed, and Treasurer Prof. Dr. M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury spoke at the event as honored guests.

Chairperson of the department of Bengali, Prof. Dr. Serajul Islam (Seraj Salekeen), delivered a commemorative lecture titled “Rabindranath and Bangladesh.”

In addition, Dean of the Faculty of Arts Prof. Dr. Mohammad Siddiqur Rahman Khan and Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences Prof. Dr. Taiabur Rahman participated in the discussion.

Prof. Niaz said that the study of Rabindranath is relevant for all times. The more we discuss the thoughts, philosophy, and literary works of the World Poet, the more his relevance will shine. He expressed hope that through such discussions, the new generation will be able to learn about Rabindranath’s life philosophy, thoughts, and literary works.

In the main article, Professor Dr. Serajul Islam highlighted Rabindranath Tagore’s role in the socio-economic development of Bangladesh and said that he came to Bangladesh to manage his ancestral estate. Later, he formed a bond with the people of this land. During that time, his Kolkata-centered literary work and outlook began to change. He developed a spiritual connection with the people and nature of this land. Based on this relationship, he composed numerous literary works. Evidence of this can be found in various poetry collections, from Sonar Tori to Kkhonika, including short stories.

After the discussion session, a colourful cultural program was presented through a joint initiative of the Department of Music and the Department of Dance of the university.