On May 7, a ceremonial event dedicated to the 165th anniversary of the outstanding Indian poet and philosopher Rabindranath Tagore was held in the Turkmen capital at the “Magtymguly Pyragy” cultural and park complex. The event was attended by representatives of the Embassy of India in Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan, public figures, and students of the Dovletmammet Azadi Turkmen National Institute of World Languages studying Hindi.
The cultural and park complex is located in the picturesque foothills of the Kopetdag Mountains. Among the alley of famous writers and thinkers from around the world, there is also a monument dedicated to Rabindranath Tagore.
During the event, yoga demonstrations were held, musical and vocal performances were presented, and poems by the Indian poet were recited in his native language. The poetic works of Rabindranath Tagore were also recited from memory by students of the Turkmen institute.
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of India to Turkmenistan Bandaru Wilsonbabu, addressing the participants of the ceremony, particularly emphasized the key concept of the poet’s worldview, which was based on goodwill, the ideals of humanism, and mutual respect.
“In a world deeply divided by racial, religious, linguistic, and other differences, Rabindranath Tagore was a champion of universal human values — humanism and peaceful coexistence. It is gratifying that a monument to Rabindranath Tagore has been erected in this beautiful park named after the great Turkmen poet Magtymguly Fragi, as a visible embodiment of the civilizational bonds of friendship between India and Turkmenistan. I am confident that the partnership between our two friendly countries, under the farsighted leadership of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, will reach new heights in the coming years,” the diplomat stated.
In turn, Deputy Minister of Culture of Turkmenistan G. Myradalyev emphasized that the celebration of the 165th anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore, organized by the Embassy of the Republic of India in our country, would contribute to the further strengthening of the unbreakable bonds of friendship between the Turkmen and Indian peoples.
“Thanks to the tireless efforts of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Hero-Arkadag, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, relations between the peoples of our countries are reaching a new level. Rabindranath Tagore is a poet not only of the Indian people, but of all humanity. His works know no borders: they inspire people of different nations to deeply reflect on friendship, peace, and humanity. The legacy of Rabindranath Tagore is widely studied in higher educational institutions of Turkmenistan, especially in fields related to international relations and culture. His rich creative heritage serves as a bridge of friendship between the Turkmen and Indian peoples,” said G. Myradalyev.
Rabindranath Tagore, as a multifaceted personality, was a poet, writer, playwright, philosopher, composer, artist, and educator. In 1913, he became the first non-European poet to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature for his collection of poems “Gitanjali.”
