Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: Economic Times
Context: Santiniketan, the renowned university town in West Bengal established by Rabindranath Tagore, has been added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
- The decision was made during the 45th World Heritage Committee Meeting held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
About Santiniketan:
- Santiniketan was originally an ashram established by Rabindranath Tagore’s father, Debendranath Tagore, where people of all castes and creeds could meditate on the one Supreme God.
- It has historical and architectural significance, including structures like Santiniketan Griha and the Mandir (temple) with stained glass, which are associated with the founding of Santiniketan and the promotion of universal spiritual values.
- Visva-Bharati University, located in Santiniketan, was founded by Rabindranath Tagore and offers a wide range of degree courses.
- It has been declared a central university and an institution of national importance by an Act of Parliament in 1951, with the Prime Minister serving as its chancellor.
