Visva-Bharati (An Odyssey in Parliament Mode)

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About the Book The book seeks to present glimpses of deliberations on Visva-Bharati, by members of Parliament, on its inception as an Institution of National Importance. The author is former Upacharya (1995 - 2001) of this institution. Thus, it provides, in abundance how leading figures of the day could bring to the fore what could be visualized by Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore.

Preface It happens to be an exciting task if not an onerous one, to seek how Visva-Bharati (1950) could be deliberated in the annals of the then Parliament (Samsad). The wider context of affairs of Visva-Bharati, in later years, needs to be kept in view. The Speaker of Lok Sabha, G M C Balyogi, who expired untimely, was approached for a copy of deliberations in the precincts of the Samsad. Thanks to him with respect, for his office having provided the relevant stuff.

A quick glance called for its wider dissemination for the community to whom Rabindranath Tagore continues perennially to be an iconic personality. Yet, at the same time, there exists a segment of on-lookers and freshers to whom Tagore's image is yet to be in the neighbourhood of their mindsets. Hence, began the preparation of a booklet on essential aspects, marvellously culled in by the late Jagannath Pandey, with a few side-remarks, as well.

Then followed write-ups which could garner the kind attention of Professor Swapan Kumar Datta, former Upacharya (Offg.) of Visva-Bharati. Professor Datta, being appreciative of the theme, desired from the author a book in English so as to cater to wider domains and hence, this effort. One must hasten to add that the Bill happened to be a landmark and indeed, a debut of the Parliament for the upkeep of earlier pledges. A chapterization is resorted to have an exposé on deliberations, particularly those endowed with some forms of contemporaneity. Ideating Visva-Bharati, not in run-of-the-mill ways, forms the tour de force of this work.

Firstly, let me convey my immense gratitude to the former Upacharya for allowing the publication to happen. I should acknowledge to Prof. Sabuj Koli Sen, Upacharya (Offg.) for her kind interest in regard to the quick publication of the book. Then, I should convey the same to Sri Devaprasanna Sinha, Sri Swapan Kumar Ghosh and in particular, Sri Buddhadeb Sarkar for shaping the initial stages of the book. Finally, thanks to the Visva-Bharati Granthana Vibhaga at Kolkata, for the services put in for publication of the book.

Book's Contents and Sample Pages