A special seminar titled “Rabindranath in the Test of Time: Challenges and Prospects” was held at Uttara University on 22 May, organised jointly by the Department of Bangla and the Department of English.

Dr Serajul Islam Choudhury, Emeritus Professor of the Department of English at Dhaka University, attended the programme as the keynote speaker. In his address, he reflected on the relevance of Rabindranath Tagore’s work in contemporary times, current social crises and its future significance.

Speaking on Rabindranath’s literary vision and global identity, he said, “Rabindranath was one of us, someone very close and deeply seated in our hearts. He was first a Bengali, then an Indian. And after that, he became global, timeless and universal.”

Professor Dr Eaysmin Ara Lekha, Vice-Chancellor of Uttara University, attended the event as chief guest. In her speech, she said Rabindranath’s relevance has not diminished with time and that his philosophy continues to guide society through periods of crisis and transition.

The seminar was also attended by panel speakers including Dr Parveen Akther Jemy, Professor of the Department of Bangla at Jagannath University; Dr Sohana Mahbub, Professor of the Department of Bangla at Dhaka University; Dr Chanchal Kumar Bose, Professor of the Department of Bangla at Jagannath University; Momtaz Begum, Professor of the Department of Bangla at Uttara University; Dr Faez Mohammad Serajul Hoque, Adviser to Uttara University; and Dr Syeda Afroza Zerin, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at Uttara University.

During the seminar, speakers discussed various contemporary aspects of Rabindranath’s philosophy and the importance of his literature in addressing present-day social and cultural challenges. Research-based presentations by Prof Bose and Prof Sohana highlighted major literary works of Rabindranath and inspired thoughtful discussion among attending students and faculty members.

The speakers expressed hope that such academic discussions would further enrich the intellectual and cultural development of future generations.

The seminar concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr Shah Ahmed, Associate Professor of the Department of English and convener of the organising committee.