A random walk in Santiniketan Ashram

Authors: Sushanta Dattagupta
Publisher: Niyogi Books, New Delhi
(Pp 219, ISBN 9789385285400, Rs 450)

Santiniketan Ashram or simply Santiniketan or Visva-Bharti is truly a unique university, set up by Rabindranath Tagore. In this book composed of essays, author Sushanta Dattagupta, ex-vice chancellor of the university, recounts his days and experiences in the university during his tenure spanning four years (2012-04). The author recollects his reminiscences revolving around the exclusive merits of Santiniketan, which were developed by Rabindranath Tagore with an idea of what an ideal and holistic education ought to be. Moreover, in addition to the unique tradition instituted in the university, this book explores the way Santiniketan has been transforming through changes in time. A big question the author puts up in his narrative is ‘whether the university still holds its ‘Ashram’ stature?’