In a recent development at West Bengal's Visva-Bharati University, a significant controversy has arisen over the omission of Rabindranath Tagore's name from newly installed plaques. The omission has led to strong criticism from the Congress party, with accusations that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is attempting to erase the memory of the renowned poet.
The controversy centers around the plaques that were recently installed at the university, which feature Prime Minister Narendra Modi's name, identifying him as 'Acharya.' However, Rabindranath Tagore, the illustrious poet and the founder of the university, was conspicuously absent from these plaques.
Jairam Ramesh, a prominent member of the Congress party, voiced concerns that this was another instance of an attempt to erase a historical figure's legacy. He mentioned that after what was perceived as the "erasure" of Jawahar Lal Nehru's legacy, the omission of Tagore's name is a worrying trend.
Pawan Khera, another Congress spokesperson, took a more satirical approach, suggesting that the term "narcissism" be renamed "modicissism" in light of the situation.
KC Venugopal delivered a particularly scathing remark, referencing Tagore's quote about freedom from fear and accusing Prime Minister Modi of being the "chief peddler of fear, hate, and division." He noted the irony of PM Modi naming himself "Acharya" at a place as prestigious as Shantiniketan, while omitting Tagore's name from the plaques.
However, it's worth noting that the controversy is not expected to persist. University officials have stated that the plaques are temporary and were only meant to mark the heritage site. They will soon be replaced with new plaques bearing inscriptions provided by the Archaeological Survey of India and UNESCO. The new plaques are expected to be installed by the end of October.
Shantiniketan, where Visva-Bharati University is located, holds special significance as it was included in UNESCO's world heritage list in September. The controversy over the plaques does raise questions about preserving and honoring the legacy of historical figures like Rabindranath Tagore, especially in places with such rich cultural and historical importance.
Overall, this controversy serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between recognizing the contributions of historical figures and acknowledging the current leaders in society. In the end, it is hoped that the replacement of the plaques will bring an amicable resolution to the issue and allow the university to continue its mission of preserving the cultural heritage of Shantiniketan.
