Shanghai celebrates Tagore's 164th birth anniversary with cultural performances and tributes

On the occasion, the Indian community in Shanghai under the aegis of Shanghai Adda presented a rich Rabindra Sangeet program and colourful dance performances.

Megacity Shanghai has a special connection with Gurudev Ravindra Nath Tagore.

Gurudev had special affection for the city of Shanghai, as is evident from his visits to the city twice after becoming the first Asian to win the Nobel Prize for Literature. His unique place in Shanghai’s cultural landscape is attested by his two statues in the city, at the world heritage site in the famous Lu Xun Park (built to honour China’s literary icon) and Maoming Lu (a prominent city Centre hub in the global metropolis)

In this background, the Consulate General of India in Shanghai organised the celebration of the 164th birth anniversary of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore on 1st June at the Vivekananda Culture Center at the Consulate General of India, Shanghai.

At the beginning of the event, Consul General Pratik Mathur didn't forget to remind the gathering of the Pahalgam terror attack and led the gathering in paying heartfelt homage to the victims of the attacks. Mathur reiterated India's firm resolve to fight terrorism with a zero-tolerance approach.

The event was attended by over a hundred guests, including the Indian diaspora, friends of India and Chinese students and followers of Tagore art and literature.

Speaking on Gurudev’s influence in China, CG Mathur noted that Tagore’s short stories are still taught in Chinese schools, and his novels and Rabindra Sangeet form a part of the Chinese college and university curriculum. Thus, Gurudev continues to function as a strong bridge of mutual understanding and promoting cultural exchanges between India and China.

Noted Tagore expert and scholar Tina Kanagratnam spoke on the rich legacy of Gurudev in East Asia. On the occasion, the Indian community in Shanghai under the aegis of Shanghai Adda presented a rich Rabindra Sangeet program and colourful dance performances.

The celebration also included Rabindra Sangeet classical recitals on Sitar and Tabla performed by young Indians.

A specially curated yoga performance themed ‘Yoga for the Young Minds’ based on Rabindra Sangeet concluded the session, followed by the serving of light Bengali cuisine-related refreshments.