SEOUL, May 03 (AJU PRESS) - An event celebrating the birthday of Indian philosopher and poet Rabindranath Tagore took place on Korea's picturesque Nami Island near Chuncheon, Gangwon Province on Friday.
This year marks the 163rd birth anniversary of Tagore, born in 1861, who became the first non-European Nobel laureate in literature in 1913.
Hosted by Nami Island Arts & Education in collaboration with Indian and Bangladesh embassies, the event started with an opening ceremony at 11:30 a.m., attended by Tagore devotees and other distinguished guests including Indian Ambassador to Korea Amit Kumar and Bangladesh Ambassador to Korea Delwar Hossain.
Tagore's "literary works particularly poems were closely followed in Korea. His short evocative poem published in 1929, in which he described Korea as the 'Lamp of the East,' struck a deep chord with Korean people and instilled them with a sense of hope during their difficult period of colonialism," Kumar said in his opening address. "Today's event features Rabindra Sangeet and Nritya – music and dance traditions associated with [Tagore], and for which we have artists from India and Bangladesh performing here today."
Hossain said, "Tagore is a common heritage of Bangladesh and India because part of Bangladesh is also with India."
Minn Kyung-hyuk, CEO of Nami Island, warmly welcomed the guests. "Nami Island stands as a vibrant cultural platform, serving as a beacon of arts and culture destined to resonate globally. It is a profound honor to celebrate Tagore's vision of harmony, coexistence and diversity here on Nami Island," he said.
The event offered a variety of programs to honor the poet. Visitors had the opportunity to engage in diverse activities such as a poetry reading and a tea ceremony. Many of them were also captivated by a series of live performances featuring traditional Indian music and Bangladesh dance. K-pop band Granada, famous for their songs blending with traditional Korean narratives, also appeared to steal the show.
An exhibition displaying paintings by about 20 artists from Korea and India is also underway there, making it a must-see program that reflects Tagore's deep reverence for humanity and nature.
Nami Island, adorned with metasequoia-lined trails and beautiful flowers and gardens, is Korea's one of popular destinations, especially among travelers from Southeast Asian countries. Just a 5-minute ferry ride from Chuncheon's Gapyeong railway station allows visitors to embark on a scenic journey along the river to reach the island.
Nami Island is also called "Naminara Republic," derived from a creative idea aimed at promoting the tiny island and enticing tourists. The island even issues several types of its own passports with stamps, making tourists feel like going to another country.