The jury under the chairmanship of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi unanimously decided to select Chhayanaut to be the recipient of the Tagore Award in recognition of its outstanding contribution to cultural harmony, according to Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka.

Cultural Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman Noor thanked the Indian government calling it a recognition for all the Tagore lovers of Bangladesh.

Established in 1961, Chhayanaut has played a leading role in promoting Tagore’s works and Bengali culture, music and literature not only within Bangladesh, but also all across the world. 

It has built a close bridge of understanding and cultural exchange between Bangladesh and India, especially West Bengal. 

Chhayanaut was part of the movement for an independent Bangladesh and provided a platform for cultural expression and assertion of Bengali identity. 

When Rabindra Sangeet was banned in East Pakistan, Chhayanaut continued to promote liberal expression through secret renditions of Tagore songs and discussions on Tagore. 

The jury's decision recognises the contribution of the organisation in upholding the liberal progressive tradition of universal humanism of Gurudev and in promoting the spirit of cultural harmony.

The annual award was instituted by the government of India during the commemoration of 150th Birth Anniversary of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore.

The first Tagore Award was conferred upon Ravi Shankar, the Indian Sitar Maestro in 2012 and second was conferred on Shri Zubin Mehta in 2013. 

The award carries an amount of Rs 1 crore, a citation in a scroll, a plaque as well as an exquisite traditional handicraft, handloom item. 

The award is open to all persons regardless of nationality, race, language, caste, creed or sex.