Visva-Bharati University, Established by Tagore, Reopens to Tourists After 5-Year Hiatus
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Synopsis
After a five-year closure, Visva-Bharati University, established by Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore in West Bengal, will once again open its doors to tourists. The new chancellor announced plans to enhance tourist facilities, following the university's designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Key Takeaways
- Visva-Bharati University reopens to tourists after five years.
- Founded by Rabindranath Tagore, it is a cultural landmark.
- New chancellor plans to improve tourist facilities.
- Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Famous alumni include Amartya Sen and Balraj Sahni.
Kolkata, March 21 (NationPress) After nearly five years, the historic gates of the renowned Visva-Bharati University, established by Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore in Bolpur-Santiniketan, Birbhum district, West Bengal, are set to welcome tourists once again.
This announcement was made on Friday by the university's new chancellor, Probir Kumar Ghosh.
The campus has long been a significant draw for visitors from both India and abroad.
The university's administration previously encouraged tourist visits to promote Gurudev's vision of a space for liberal and free-thinking on campus.
However, during the Covid-19 pandemic, the doors of Visva-Bharati, the only central university in India with the Prime Minister serving as Chancellor, were closed to tourists.
Even after the pandemic subsided, former vice-chancellor Bidyut Chakraborty did not allow tourist entry, citing concerns over potential security risks.
At that time, entrance was limited to the university museum with a ticket fee.
Despite opposition from students, alumni, and some faculty members regarding the tourist entry ban, Chakraborty maintained his stance.
The demand to lift the entry restrictions intensified following the university's designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in September 2023.
Along with announcing the reopening to tourists, the new vice-chancellor mentioned that discussions are underway to enhance tourist facilities on campus.
“As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the university is indeed a global attraction,” he stated.
In addition to being founded by Gurudev, Visva-Bharati University is celebrated for its connections to notable figures such as Nobel laureate economist Amartya Sen and the late Balraj Sahni, who taught English and Hindi there, among others.
