Tagore Collection

In connection with the 150th Birth Anniversary (1861-2011) of the Nobel Laureate poet Rabindranath Tagore, the University of Colombo took a leading role to commemorate Tagore’s contribution to the Sri Lankan literature and arts. A volume titled Remembering Rabindranath Tagore was published in the year 2011 by the University of Colombo. This collection of articles, written by both Indian and Sri Lankan authors, provides new insights into the different aspects of Tagore’s fascinating and diverse personality.

As a part of the 150th Birth Anniversary celebrations, a Bust of Rabindranath Tagore was unveiled by Prof. G.L. Peiris, Minister of External Affairs in the presence of Ashok K. Kantha, High Commissioner of India and Prof. Kshanika Hirimburegama, Vice Chancellor of University of Colombo at the Main Library of the University on the 26th June 2012.

In June 2012, a one day seminar on ‘Tagore and Sri Lanka’ was also organized in collaboration with the Indian Cultural Centre, Colombo and Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute for International Relations and Strategic Studies. It mainly focused on the travels of Tagore to Sri Lanka and the cultural linkages. Many eminent academics from India and Sri Lanka presented papers at this seminar.

After the establishment of the CCIS in 2012, the Centre took a special interest in developing a collection on Tagore’s work. At present, the CCIS Tagore Collection includes biographies, poetry collections and other rare Sinhala translations of Tagore’s works. This collection is available for reference purposes for students and Tagore scholars. For more details please contact Secretary, CCIS, Tel: (+94) 112 591 610.