Chandigarh, February 9: An Inter School Painting and Writing competition — The Power of the Pen, to mark the 150th Birth Anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore, was held at Strawberry Fields World School today morning. This commemorative event was organised by The Indian National Trust For Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH). Students of Classes 8 – 11 from various schools, like Bhavan Vidyalaya, Carmel Convent, St. Kabir, St. Stephens and Strawberry Fields World School participated. INTACH Chandigarh, in recent years, has developed a comprehensive and detailed listing of all Heritage Properties in the region, organised INTACH workshops and talks on Heritage, national level Crafts Festival at the Rock Garden, in addition to several Heritage walks, on the spot art competitions, musical evenings and interactions between various sections of society. They have also highlighted the Modern Heritage of Chandigarh as well as the ancient heritage of the nearby Bhima Devi Temple, the Jayanti Devi Temple and the Mani Majra Fort as part of their endeavours.
The Power of the Pen programme is being held across the country to mark 150 years of Tagore starting with this inaugural event at Strawberry Fields World School, Chandigarh. This was a wonderful attempt to begin a discussion around Tagore’s work and to encourage young people to read up on him and take pride in the fact that India could produce someone as remarkable as him, whose work is relevant even today. As an activist, thinker, poet and rural reconstructionist, Rabindranath Tagore, continues to be relevant even 150 years after his birth.
“There is a timeless appeal of Tagore. This is something that all of us, even non Bengalis will agree with. Whether it is his poetry, his drawings, his legacy at Shantineketan, the vast body of work that went into making Rabindra Sangeet what it is, is quite awe inspiring, to say the least, “ said Ms Aman Sidhu, Principal , Strawberry Fields World School in her opening address.
The competition, which was divided into two parts – writing and painting, was based on the unique facets of Tagore’s work, his contribution to the arts, culture and education. The event commenced with a welcome note by School Principal and was followed by an inspiring address by the Chief Guest Mrs. Prena Puri, Commissioner Municipal Corporation Chandigarh. The occasion was also graced by Mr. V.K. Kapoor, Convener of INTACH, Mr Vivek Atray, Mr. Shiv Singh, Mr. A.K Malhotra and Atul Khanna amongst others. The programme witnessed an array of songs of Tagore which were sung by the Strawberry Fields World School Choir adding a rich and patriotic flavor to the occasion.
About 165 students participated with great enthusiasm and fervor in the competition, which was hosted in the beautiful and serene environs of the school’s open air amphitheatre. The bright sunny February morning reverberated with the musical notes of Rabindra sangeet and brought out the rich diversity of Tagore’ work.