Indonesia will commemorate the centenary of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore’s historic visit to the country with a 15-month programme during 2026 and 2027. Speaking exclusively to Akashvani News, India’s Ambassador to Indonesia, Sandeep Chakravorty said the commemorative events will be launched during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Indonesia beginning tomorrow. The centenary celebrations will include exhibitions and year-long cultural programmes highlighting the deep cultural ties between India and Indonesia. The Ambassador said Gurudev spent nearly three months in Indonesia in 1927, traveling widely and immersing himself in country’s rich traditions. Deeply inspired by his visit, Tagore later sent his associates to Indonesia to study its art, dance, culture and architecture, strengthening the cultural exchange between the two countries, most notably in the enduring legacy of Indonesian Batik. This ancient wax-resist technique was introduced to West Bengal by Rabindranath Tagore in 1927, who was captivated by the art during his travels to Java. Today, the technique thrives as Shantiniketan Batik, merging Indonesian methods with Indian textiles (like Murshidabad silk and cotton) and Bengali motifs like Alpona and lotus.Ambassador Chakravorty added that the Tagore-Dewantara educational and cultural exchange programme will also be launched, featuring exhibitions and cultural events throughout the commemorative period. Ki Hajar Dewantara, Indonesia’s first Education Minister, was inspired by Rabindranath Tagore’s Shantiniketan model and went on to establish the Taman Siswa, or “garden schools,” based on its principles.A newly compiled book on Rabindranath Tagore’s visit to Indonesia will also be presented to the Prime Minister during his visit.
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