Tagore's Santiniketan secures UNESCO world heritage status

Santiniketan, the renowned cultural and educational institution founded by Tagore in 1901, has been granted UNESCO World Heritage status. The institution, which includes a "world university" known as "Visva Bharati," is celebrated for its unique approach to education and art rooted in ancient Indian traditions and a vision of global unity transcending cultural and religious boundaries.

Distinct from British colonial architectural norms of the early 20th century and European modernism, Santiniketan embodies a pan-Asian modernity that draws inspiration from diverse regional traditions, including ancient, medieval, and folk influences from across Asia.

India's efforts to secure UNESCO recognition for Santiniketan have been longstanding, and this achievement comes after a recent recommendation by the international advisory body ICOMOS (International Council on Monuments and Sites). ICOMOS is a global non-governmental organization dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of architectural and landscape heritage.

The inscription of Santiniketan as a UNESCO World Heritage site is a significant recognition of its cultural and educational contributions, marking it as a place of international importance and cultural significance. 

“BREAKING! New inscription on the @UNESCO #WorldHeritage List: Santiniketan, #India. Congratulations!” the UNESCO wrote on X (formally Twitter) on Sunday. 

????BREAKING!

New inscription on the @UNESCO #WorldHeritage List: Santiniketan, #India ????????. Congratulations! ????????

➡️ https://t.co/69Xvi4BtYv #45WHC pic.twitter.com/6RAVmNGXXq

— UNESCO ????️ #Education #Sciences #Culture ???????? (@UNESCO) September 17, 2023