Dhaka University celebrated the 164th birth anniversary of world poet Rabindranath Tagore on Thursday (May 8, 2025). A discussion meeting and cultural program were organized at the Student-Teacher Center Auditorium on this occasion. Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan presided over the program.
Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) Professor Dr. Saima Haque Bidisha, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Education) Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed and Treasurer Professor Dr. M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury spoke as guests of honor at the program. Chairman of the Bangla Department Professor Dr. Sirajul Islam (Siraj Salekin) delivered a commemorative lecture titled ‘Rabindranath and Bangladesh’ at the program. In addition, Dean of the Faculty of Arts Professor Dr. Mohammad Siddiqur Rahman Khan and Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Professor Dr. Taiyebur Rahman participated in the discussion. Acting Registrar Munshi Shams Uddin Ahmed conducted the program.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan said that Rabindranath Tagore’s practice is always relevant. The more we discuss the thoughts, philosophy and literary works of the world poet, the more his relevance will shine. He expressed the hope that through such discussions, the new generation will be able to learn about Rabindranath’s life philosophy, thoughts and literary works.
Professor Dr. Sirajul Islam, in his main article, highlighted the role of Rabindranath Tagore in the socio-economic development of Bangladesh and said that he was a Calcutta native. He came to Bangladesh to manage his ancestral land. Later, he developed a friendship with the people of this country. At that time, his Kolkata-centric literary works and outlook changed. He developed a spiritual relationship with the people and nature of this country. Based on this relationship, he wrote numerous literary works. Evidence of this can be found in various poetry books ranging from short stories to ‘Sonar Tori’ and ‘Khanika’.
After the discussion, a delightful cultural program was presented by the joint initiative of the Music Department and the Dance Department of Dhaka University.
