Shanghai Resonates with Tagore’s Spirit: Indians Celebrate 164th Birth Anniversary with Culture, Tribute, and Unity

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The Indian community in Shanghai came together on Sunday to celebrate the 164th birth anniversary of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, blending cultural festivities with heartfelt remembrance. Held at the Vivekananda Cultural Centre, the event drew over a hundred attendees, including members of the Indian diaspora, Chinese students, Tagore enthusiasts, and friends of India—underscoring Tagore’s enduring legacy as a cultural bridge between India and China.

This year’s celebrations also commemorated the 101st anniversary of Tagore’s first visit to China, a testament to his unique connection with the country.

Consul General Pratik Mathur opened the event with a solemn pledge ceremony honoring the victims of the recent Pahalgam terror attack, reaffirming India’s zero-tolerance stance on terrorism and referencing the nation’s swift response through Operation Sindoor.

In his address, Mathur emphasized Tagore’s lasting influence, noting that the poet’s stories are still part of Chinese school curricula and that Rabindra Sangeet is studied in Chinese universities. He also highlighted Tagore’s visits to Shanghai, where his memory is preserved through statues at Lu Xun Park and Maoming Lu.

Event Highlights:

Talk by Tagore Scholar: Tina Kanagratnam spoke on Tagore’s legacy in East Asia.
Musical Performances: Young members of the Indian community presented soulful renditions of Rabindra Sangeet and classical Indian music.
Yoga Presentation: A themed performance titled “Yoga for the Young Minds” was inspired by Tagore’s musical philosophy.
Cultural Exchange: Attendees enjoyed light Bengali refreshments and lively participation from scholars, cultural figures, and children

The gathering beautifully blended reflection, cultural pride, and community, reinforcing Tagore’s timeless message of unity, peace, and mutual understanding—a sentiment especially relevant in today’s turbulent times.

Key Takeaways:

Attendance: Over 100 participants, including the Indian diaspora, Chinese students, and Tagore fans.
Tribute: Ceremony honoring victims of the Pahalgam terror attack, led by Consul General Pratik Mathur.
Historic Note: Celebration of the 101st anniversary of Tagore’s first visit to China.
Cultural Showcase: Performances of Rabindra Sangeet, classical music (sitar and tabla), and yoga.
Educational Link: Tagore’s works remain in Chinese academic curricula, symbolizing strong Indo-Chinese cultural ties.
Message of Peace: Event highlighted India’s commitment to combating terrorism through Operation Sindoor.