Visva-Bharati University was established by whom?
VerifiedAnswer: Rabindranath Thakur(Tagore)
Explanation:
Visva-Bharati University was founded by the great Bengali polymath Rabindranath Tagore in 1921 in Santiniketan, West Bengal. This institution holds a special place in India's educational history as it represents Tagore's revolutionary vision of holistic education that blends the best of Eastern and Western philosophies.
The roots of Visva-Bharati can be traced back to 1863 when Tagore's father, Maharshi Debendranath Tagore, established an ashram in Santiniketan. However, it was Rabindranath Tagore who transformed this quiet retreat into a center of learning and cultural exchange. Initially, he started with a small experimental school in 1901, which gradually evolved into the university we know today.
Tagore's vision for Visva-Bharati was truly unique for its time. He wanted to create an institution where students from all over the world could come together to learn and exchange ideas. The name "Visva-Bharati" itself means "where the world makes its home in a nest," reflecting Tagore's belief in universal brotherhood and cultural synthesis. He envisioned it as a place where narrow domestic walls would break down and knowledge would flow freely across cultural boundaries.
What made Tagore's educational approach revolutionary was his emphasis on learning in natural surroundings. Classes were often held under trees, and students were encouraged to connect with nature as part of their education. This open-air classroom concept was quite different from the rigid, colonial education system prevalent during that era. Tagore believed that education should nurture creativity, critical thinking, and cultural appreciation rather than just academic knowledge.
In 1951, the Indian Parliament recognized Visva-Bharati as a Central University through a special act, making it a unique institution of national importance. Today, it continues to uphold Tagore's ideals while offering diverse academic programs in arts, science, humanities, and social sciences. The university attracts students from across India and around the world, staying true to its founder's vision of international cooperation in education.
