Essay on shantiniketan

Shantiniketan has become a major tourist spot because of its association with Rabindranath Tagore, one of India's and Bengal�s greatest figures. Of course, the natural charm of Santiniketan is a major draw in itself. Numerous social and cultural events taking place through out the year have become part and parcel of Santiniketan.

In fact, long before Shantiniketan got its name, it was known as Bhubhandanga, after Bhubhan Dakat – a local dacoit! Rabindranath Tagore’s vision of setting up a school along the lines of the previously existing system of gurukul - a residential school where students lived with their teacher/guru – was the foundation stone of Visva-Bharati.

Not too many know that Shantiniketan, which means the abode of peace – long before it became the name of a place, was the name of the guest house Maharshi Debendranath Tagore, father of poet Rabindranath Tagore, had built when he founded the Brahmo Samaj in 1863.

Another unique feature of Santiniketan is its lush greenery and aesthetically laid out campus, which stands testimony to Tagore’s belief that the close connect between man and nature should be the founding principle of education.