By TC News Desk
Agartala, 7th June 2025: A profound intellectual atmosphere gripped Agartala on Saturday evening as the Town Hall hosted a unique and engaging debate on the topic: “Rabindranath Tagore is not as popular as he is relevant.” The event, jointly organized by Udran—a leading socio-cultural organization of the state—and the Kolkata-based Calcutta Debating Circle (CDC), drew passionate arguments and contemplative reflections on the Nobel Laureate’s enduring significance.
The program was inaugurated by Chief Whip of the Tripura Legislative Assembly (TLA) Kalyani Saha Roy, who remarked, “Rabindranath’s ideas are not confined to time. They continue to guide us through the chaos of the present.”
Renowned cardiologist and public speaker Dr. Kunal Sarkar, who anchored the debate steered the session with remarkable depth and poise. Udan President Dr. Sumanta Chakraborty and General Secretary Dr. Ranbir Roy underlined the organization’s commitment to fostering literary and cultural discourse.
Those speaking in favor of the motion included former MP Jahar Sarkar, poet Ashok Deb, journalist Arkaprabha Sarkar and others, who argued that Rabindranath’s thoughts, though profound are not easily accessible or applicable in the fast-paced digital age. “Tagore has been turned into an untouchable icon. We worship him but don’t engage with his limitations,” said poet Ashok Deb.
Opposing voices, such as former Visva-Bharati Vice-Chancellor Dr. Bidyut Chakraborty, writer Debarati Mukherjee and educationist Dr. Tamajoy Brahma defended Tagore’s timeless relevance. “In a world losing its moral compass, Tagore’s humanism is more vital than ever,” said Dr. Brahma. The Editor of Ajker Fariyad newspaper Sanit Debroy added, “Tagore teaches us to question, to feel. That is his relevance.”
The evening concluded with a soul-stirring performance by five young Tripura-based artists- Sudeshna Chanda, Chaitali Kundu, Debjit De, Dr. Sayantan Das, Tithi Roy and Sanyukta Chowdhury, who sang Rabindra Sangeet composed in the state wrapping the night in an aura of poetic reflection.
Summing up the spirit of the evening, Udan general secretary Dr. Ranabir Roy said, “Rabindranath is not a relic of the past. He is a mirror to our present.” CDC head Dr. Sarkar echoed, “Whether questioned or celebrated, Rabindranath remains—because he is not just an answer, but the eternal question.”
