PM Modi, Sheikh Hasina unveil ‘Bangladesh Bhaban’ in Santiniketan: Marking the flourishing threads of heritage and history shared by India-Bangladesh

NewsBharati    25-May-2018
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Santiniketan, May 25: Today Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke on the blooming relations of India-Bangladesh while addressing the Convocation of Visva Bharati University. PM Modi recalled the India-Bangladesh’ flourishing ties that date back decades sharing common threads of history, heritage and culture. PM Modi and Bangladeshi PM Sheikh Hasina unveiled the 'Bangladeshi Bhavan', which will house the immense contribution made by Rabindranath Tagore towards Bangladesh, Indo-Bangla relations, and the Liberation War of Bangladesh. 

 PM Narendra Modi’s Dialogue:
 

Addressing the inauguration of Bangladesh Bhavan, PM Modi said that the last few years have marked a golden period in relations between the two countries. He mentioned the resolution of the land boundary issue and various connectivity projects. He asserted that the two countries have similar goals, and are taking similar paths to achieve those goals.

PM Modi visited Santiniketan in West Bengal today where he warmly welcomed Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina. Paying homage to Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, the two leaders signed the visitors’ book. The two leaders then attended the Convocation of the Visva Bharati University.

Addressing the students of Visva Bharati University, PM Modi highlighted India describing it’s democratic system as ‘best’ teacher that teaches around and inspired crores of people. He said it was his good fortune to be among the learned people on this sacred land of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore.

With pride, PM Modi spoke about the contributions given by Rabindranath Tagore in the history of India. He congratulated the students who received degrees today. He said that all those who studied at this University have not just received a degree, but have also become inheritors of a great legacy.

How the Vedas have signified India, PM Modi stressed saying

that the teachings of the Vedas, which describe the entire world as one nest, or one home, are reflected in the values of Visva Bharati University.

The ties have always been tracking on higher levels, PM Modi said that he said that India and Bangladesh are two nations, whose interests are linked to mutual cooperation and coordination among each other.

Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore represents the historical significance of India, PM Modi stressed saying that Rabindranath Tagore is respected widely across the world. Further he recalled that he had the opportunity to unveil a statue of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore in Tajikistan three years ago. He said Tagore is a subject of study in Universities across the world even today. He described Gurudev as a global citizen.

 

Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore always wanted Indian students to keep abreast of developments across the world, even as they kept their Indianness intact, PM Modi added.

Addressing the Convocation of Visva Bharati University, PM Modi appreciated university for its efforts at skill development and education in nearby villages. He encouraged the University to expand this effort to 100 villages by its centenary year in 2021. He also called upon the University to work towards overall development of these 100 villages.

Also PM Modi apologized on behalf of the university authorities for the shortage in supply of water pouches to the students attending the convocation. "While coming down to the venue I saw that some students were complaining about the shortage in supply of water to them. As the chancellor of the university, I take full responsibility and apologise to you," Modi said after beginning his speech at the convocation.

He further said that institutions such as Visva Bharati University have a key role to play in the creation of a New India by 2022. He outlined initiatives taken by the Union Government in the education sector.

Speaking on the occasion of the inauguration of Bangladesh Bhavan, PM Modi described it as a symbol of the cultural ties between India and Bangladesh. He said that this University and this sacred land have a history that has seen the freedom struggles of both India and Bangladesh. He added that it is a symbol of the shared heritage of the two countries.

He said that Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rehman is respected equally in both India and Bangladesh. Similarly, he added that Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Swami Vivekananda and Mahatma Gandhi are respected in Bangladesh as much as in India.

In the same vein, he said that Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore belongs to Bangladesh, as much as to India.He said that the shared resolve of India and Bangladesh, against cruelty and terrorism, will continue to inspire future generations through the Bangladesh Bhavan. He recalled the felicitation of Indian soldiers by Bangladesh in New Delhi last year.

PM Sheikh Hasina’s Dialogue: 

While the Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina is on her two-day visit, she appreciated the efforts taken for building up the in India.

Echoing the similarities shared by India and Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina also said that Rabindranath Tagore belongs to both countries as he has written the national anthems of both nations. She said, "Rabindranath Tagore belongs to both the countries because he has written the national anthems of both the nations. He wrote most of his poems in Bangladesh and that is why we can claim a greater right over him."

Shedding light on Rohingya issue, "Rohingyas have taken shelter in Bangladesh. We've given them a place on humanitarian grounds. We want them to return to their country as early as possible. I request you to help us to interact with Myanmar so that they take Rohingyas back," said Bangladeshi PM Sheikh Hasina.

She recalled the contributions made by Indians during the Liberation War in 1971.saying that “Indians stood by Bangladesh, sheltered 10 million refugees, and provided shelter and training to the freedom fighters,” the PM said.

Further on the note of gratitude, PM Hasina said the exchange of enclaves between Bangladesh and India in a peaceful and festive manner will remain as an example in the world history.

The PM expressed hope that the unresolved issues between Bangladesh and India will be solved amid friendly relations between the two countries.

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Today PM Modi along with PM Sheikh Hasina and CM Mamta Banerjee unveiled the ‘Bangladesh Bhavan.’Bangladesh Bhaban houses a museum showcasing Rabindranath Tagore's association with Bangladesh, Indo-Bangla relations, and the Liberation War of Bangladesh. The Bhaban has been built with funds from the Bangladesh government. Further, Sheikh Hasina is also scheduled to hold a meeting with Indian PM Narendra Modi today.