Source: TH
Context: Visva-Bharati University, founded by Rabindranath Tagore, is facing a deep institutional crisis as National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 reforms trigger funding cuts, faculty unrest, and allegations of administrative overreach.
About Visva-Bharati University:
- What it is?
- Visva-Bharati is a Central University of national importance known for its unique blend of Indian tradition and global learning. It serves as a model of holistic education integrating arts, science, and humanities.
- Established in: Founded in 1921 by Rabindranath Tagore.
- Shantiniketan was established in 1901.
- A ‘world university’ was established at Santiniketan in 1921, recognizing the unity of humanity or “Visva Bharati”.
- Located in: Situated at Santiniketan, in Birbhum district, West Bengal.
- History:
- Began as an ashramic school emphasizing simplicity, self-reliance, and learning in nature.
- In 1951, it became a Central University through an Act of Parliament, gaining status as an institution of national importance.
- Over the decades, it evolved into a centre of global exchange, fostering art, literature, music, and rural reconstruction.
- Key Features:
- Promotes interdisciplinary education rooted in Indian ethos and global outlook.
- Encourages artistic and rural engagement, with schools like Kala Bhavana (Fine Arts) and Sriniketan (Rural Development).
- Operates under Tagore’s principle of freedom in learning — promoting creativity over rote learning.
