Question
Why did Rabindranath Tagore founded the Visvabharati?
Answer
Rabindranath Tagore founded Visva-Bharati University in 1921 with the aim of creating a center of learning that would blend the best of Indian and Western cultures. He believed that such a university could foster a deeper understanding between different cultures and promote universal human values. For Tagore, education was not just about acquiring knowledge, but also about developing a holistic understanding of the world and our place in it. He felt that the existing education system was too focused on narrow, utilitarian goals and did not cultivate the creative and spiritual aspects of human nature. Visva-Bharati was envisioned as a place where students could engage with nature, explore their creativity, and develop a sense of social responsibility. The university was also intended to serve as a meeting ground for scholars and artists from around the world, promoting cross-cultural dialogue and collaboration.