Revamped Rabindra Bhavan to Boost Cultural Scene in Salt Lake.

  The Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has taken significant steps towards the establishment of the Rabindra Bhavan in Salt Lake, opposite Central Park. The piling work for the project has been completed as scheduled. The original plan for a two-storey building with a meeting hall, library, archive, auditorium, and conference hall remains intact. Financial Allocation: For the ground and first floor construction, the BMC is looking to hire an agency for an estimated project cost of around Rs 30.6 million. The civic authorities have made modifications to the building plan to align with the initial phase’s two-storey structure. This decision will ensure the efficient utilization of both floors according to the authorities’ requirements. Project History: The Rabindra Bhavan project began a few years ago and faced delays due to unforeseen reasons. Initially, the former Bidhannagar Municipality proposed the establishment of a Rabindra Bhavan solely dedicated to a Tagore research centre. Although a triangular plot was allocated by the state government, it was considered unsuitable by the civic engineers. Subsequently, a plot at FE block, adjacent to Central Park, was chosen for the project. Efforts for Revival: In 2010, the foundation stone for the Rabindra Bhavan was laid. However, due to various circumstances, the project faced significant delays. With the formation of the BMC in 2015, determined efforts were made to revive the project and ensure its completion. Future Features: The overarching plan for the Rabindra Bhavan includes an auditorium for staging Tagore’s plays and musical performances. The centre will also house art galleries, exhibition rooms, and a library dedicated to showcasing Tagore’s works. Scholars will have provisions to conduct research work within the facility. Budgeting Sources: The BMC is funding the project through the revenue generated from organizing the annual Bidhannagar Mela Utsav at the Central Park fairground. This initiative demonstrates the municipality’s commitment to financing cultural projects that contribute to the enrichment of the community. The development of the Rabindra Bhavan will provide a space for the community to engage with Tagore’s works, foster artistic talent, and encourage research on the great literary figure’s legacy.