A dispute over a plaque at Shantiniketan in West Bengal has escalated into a political controversy, resulting in a strongly worded letter from Visva Bharati’s administration to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. In the letter, Vice-Chancellor Bidyut Chakraborty made political accusations unrelated to the university, alleging sycophancy, megalomania, and corruption among party leaders, and suggested that the Chief Minister was being influenced by them. Trinamool leaders claim the Vice Chancellor’s actions are an attempt to gain favour with the central government as he seeks an extension.
The controversy stems from a plaque commemorating Shantiniketan ‘s UNESCO World Heritage status, which failed to mention Rabindranath Tagore but included the Vice Chancellor and the Prime Minister. Mamata Banerjee expressed her objection to this omission, stating that it belittled Tagore and undermined the anti-colonial heritage efforts of India’s founding fathers.
She called on the central government to rectify the plaque’s display of self-exhibitionism.
In response, Vice-Chancellor Chakraborty defended the plaque, asserting that it followed ASI (Archaeological Survey of India) instructions and would soon reflect the necessary changes. He advised Chief Minister Banerjee to be magnanimous and recognized that she represented all citizens, not just loyalists. He also alluded to a Rajya Sabha member from her party who attempted to secure the recognition and pointed out the involvement of the former Prime Minister in the matter, albeit unsuccessfully. Chakraborty emphasized that Visva-Bharati had individuals with competence distinct from sycophants.
Furthermore, Chakraborty underscored the unique status of Visva-Bharati, with the Prime Minister serving as its Chancellor. He reminded the Chief Minister about senior Trinamool ministers in jail and Mahua Moitra, facing investigation by the Parliament’s Ethics Committee for alleged misconduct. He claimed that Visva-Bharati had purged itself of corruption, transforming into an institution of integrity through hard work.
The Vice-Chancellor also raised the issue of a road that passes through the university but is under government control, offering to engage in a face-to-face dialogue to present his perspective.
This recent dispute adds to a history of clashes between the Vice-Chancellor and the Chief Minister, including a property dispute involving Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen.
Shantiniketan, founded by Rabindranath Tagore, has been a symbol of India’s rich cultural and educational heritage, and its recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage site holds significant importance.
The controversy over the plaque, though ostensibly a matter of historical recognition, has taken on a political dimension, reflecting the broader tensions in West Bengal’s political landscape. It remains to be seen how this dispute will be resolved and its implications on the cultural and educational legacy of Shantiniketan.