The Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre (IGCC) of the High Commission of India in Dhaka has launched a week-long art exhibition titled ‘Rabindranama’, celebrating the enduring legacy of Rabindranath Tagore through the works of 65 eminent Bangladeshi artists.

The exhibition was inaugurated on Thursday by the Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Pranay Verma, at the Indian Cultural Centre in the capital’s Gulshan.

Curated by Sanjoy Chakraborty, ‘Rabindranama’ brings together visual interpretations of Tagore’s philosophy and persona in honor of his 164th birth anniversary.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, High Commissioner Pranay Verma said, “Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore was not just a poet, painter, philosopher, playwright, composer, educationist, and social reformer, but also an eternal cultural bridge between India and Bangladesh. As the author of the national anthems of both our countries, Gurudev Tagore’s legacy epitomises the strong cultural and emotional heritage that binds our nations together.”

Addressing the exhibition ‘Rabindranama’ as a celebration of that immortal legacy, the Indian High Commissioner said, “Each brushstroke in this exhibition is a tribute to the timeless relevance of Gurudev Tagore’s vision.”

Director of IGCC Ann Mary George noted that the exhibition is part of a series of events celebrating Tagore, including the earlier Rabindra Sangeet musical evening “Robir Chhaya” held on May 8, featuring noted exponent Dr Chanchal Khan.

Rabindranama was originally conceptualised in 2011 to mark Tagore’s 150th birth anniversary, uniting 65 artists under the guidance of artists and educators Wakilur Rahman, Professor Nisar Hossain, and Professor Rashid Amin, among others.

The folio of 68 prints was previously presented at prominent institutions, including Rabindra Bharati University and Rashtrapati Bhavan in India, and showcased at Jorasanko Thakurbari Museum in Kolkata. Fourteen years later, the exhibition continues to reinterpret Tagore’s ideals through a modern lens.

Curator Sanjoy Chakraborty said, “In addition to paying homage to Tagore, Rabindranama aims to make his image and ideals accessible to a wider audience, especially the younger generation. It seeks to democratise the experience of art and create space for both reverence and reinterpretation.”

The opening ceremony concluded with a musical performance featuring acclaimed Indian classical vocalists Dr Rituparna Chakraborty and Dr Subir Kumar Chakraborty, who performed Dhrupad and Rabindra Sangeet.

Dr Rituparna Chakraborty, a distinguished vocalist and educator, holds a Ph.D. from Visva-Bharati University and has received multiple accolades, including the ‘Surmani’ title from Sur Singar Samsad in Mumbai. Her performances blend classical training with deep cultural sensitivity.

Dr Subir Kumar Chakraborty, Associate Professor at Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University, is known for his contributions to both Hindustani classical music and Nazrul Sangeet. A performer and scholar, he has represented Bangladesh at numerous prestigious events in both Bangladesh and India.

The event drew a large audience, including prominent artists and enthusiastic members of Dhaka’s youth community.

The exhibition is being held under the guidance of Professor Hamiduzzaman Khan, Professor Abul Barq Alvi, and Professor Nisar Hossain. Jamal Ahmed, Ranjit Das, Shahid Kabir, Wakilur Rahman, Dhali Al-Mamoon, Niaz Majumder, Mustapha Khalid Palash, Abdus Salam, Joya Shahrin Huq, Javed Jalil, Ruhul Karim Rumee, Shantona Shahrin, Monirul Islam, Sharbari Roy Choudhury, Mahmudul Helal, Kuhu Plamondon, Biren Shome, Tarun Ghosh, Fareha Zeba, Dilara Begum Jolly, Shishir Bhattacharjee, Mohammad Iqbal, Gulshan Hossain, Md Razwanur Rahman, Ivy Zaman, Golam Faruque Bebul, Toufiqur Rahman, Nasima Khanam Queenie, Najma Akhter, Nasima Haque Mitu, Nagarbasi Barman, Saidul Haque Juise, Mustaque Ahmed, Shamina Sharmin, Atia Islam Anne, Dulal Chandra Gyne, Bipasha Hayat, Nihar Singha, Roni Ahmmed, A S M Jamil Akbar Shamim, A H Dhali Tomal, Mahbub Hasan Khan, Syed Zahid Iabal, Mintu Dey, M M Maizuddin, Farzana Rahman Bobby, Mohammad Imam Hossain, Silvia Nazneen, Abdus Sattar Toufiq, Kamaluddin, Farzana Ahmed Urmi, Sumon Wahed, Rahima Afroz Shah, Md. Didarul Alam, Shimu Roy, Sayed Hasan Mahmud, and Masud Kabir.

The exhibition will remain open to the public throughout the week at the Indian Cultural Centre in Dhaka.