At a special seminar organized in Kolkata on the occasion of Rabindra Jayanti, Shamim Ahmed described Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore as the greatest symbol of Hindu-Muslim unity, humanity, and social harmony.
Qalam Times News Network
Kolkata | May 9, 2026
On the occasion of Rabindra Jayanti, a dignified and thought-provoking seminar was organized at the national office of the Human Rights Protection Association in Kolkata. The event featured detailed discussions on the literary legacy, humanist philosophy, cultural contributions, and historic efforts of Nobel Laureate Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore toward promoting Hindu-Muslim unity.
Speaking on the occasion, Shamim Ahmed, National President of the Human Rights Protection Association, said that Rabindra Jayanti is not merely the birth anniversary of a literary figure, but also an opportunity to remember Indian civilization, social harmony, and humanitarian values. He stated that through his writings and social vision, Tagore presented an enduring example of love, equality, and brotherhood that remains highly relevant even today.
In his address, Shamim Ahmed referred to Tagore’s immortal work “Gitanjali”, saying that the book gave Indian literature global recognition. He added that Tagore’s Nobel Prize was not just a personal achievement, but an international acknowledgment of India’s cultural consciousness.
During the Rabindra Jayanti program, he also spoke about the 1905 Partition of Bengal movement. He said that when the British administration attempted to divide Bengal on religious lines, Gurudev Tagore used the festival of Raksha Bandhan as a symbol of unity. Tagore appealed to both Hindus and Muslims to tie rakhis to one another as a message that Bengal’s culture and society could not be divided on the basis of religion.
Shamim Ahmed said that at a time when incidents of social and religious polarization are increasing across the country, Rabindra Jayanti reminds people of Tagore’s ideals rooted in humanity, tolerance, and communal harmony. He emphasized that Tagore’s literature was not limited to poetry and stories, but also served as a powerful medium for social reform and national awakening.
He further described Tagore’s contributions to education, rural development, women’s empowerment, and cultural renaissance as historic. He called Shantiniketan and Visva-Bharati University living examples of Tagore’s visionary educational philosophy.
Members present at the event paid tribute to Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore and stressed the need to adopt his ideals in contemporary society. The organization also resolved to spread Tagore’s message of human rights, social justice, and communal harmony to every section of society.
Concluding his speech, Shamim Ahmed said that India’s real strength lies in its diversity, cultural heritage, and mutual brotherhood, and that the life of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore remains one of the most inspiring examples of this philosophy.
