Tagore in Pune: Symposium Explores the Poet’s Enduring Cultural Footprint in Maharashtra
Pune, 13th September 2026: The historical and cultural connections between Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, Pune and Maharashtra were explored at a cultural symposium organised by the Deccan College Art Circle in collaboration with the Upasana Global Forum.
Titled “Tagore in Pune: Exploring Historical & Cultural Footprints,” the symposium was held at the New Convocation Hall of the Department of Ancient Indian History, Culture and Archaeology (AIHC & Archaeology) at the Deccan College Post-Graduate and Research Institute.
The programme brought together scholars, researchers, students and culture enthusiasts to examine Tagore’s visits to Pune, his association with the city’s intellectual environment and the continuing influence of his literary and artistic work in Maharashtra.
The discussions combined historical and academic presentations with music, rhythm, live painting and poetry, offering different perspectives on Tagore’s ideas and their connection with Maharashtrian cultural traditions.
One session focused on Tagore’s visits to Pune and his association with Deccan College, including his visit to the institution on September 23, 1922. Speakers discussed the intellectual environment he encountered in the region and its significance in understanding his engagement with Maharashtra.
The second session examined Tagore’s legacy in Maharashtra, particularly the influence of his literature, music and socio-cultural ideas on generations of artists, writers and thinkers.
The symposium’s chief guest, Prof. Sharad Deshpande, philosopher and former Tagore Fellow at the Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS), Shimla, spoke about Tagore’s ideas on education and art.
Referring to Tagore’s plays, including Raja and Valmiki Pratibha, Deshpande discussed the poet-philosopher’s reflections on art, beauty, life and education. He also highlighted the way Tagore used literary and theatrical forms to communicate complex philosophical ideas.
Prof. Bhushan Patwardhan, Chancellor of Deccan College Post-Graduate and Research Institute, presided over the programme and stressed the importance of preserving and taking forward historical and cultural connections for younger generations.
The event was held under the leadership of Prof. Prasad Joshi, Vice Chancellor (A) of Deccan College; Dr Amrita Sarkar, Coordinator of the Deccan College Art Circle; and Sharmila Mazumdar, Creative Director and Co-Founder of Upasana Global Forum.
The academic discussions were followed by a cultural presentation by Deccan College students. Through a selection of poems, songs and literary works, the students explored Tagore’s historical visits to Pune and pieces associated with his time in the region.
The programme concluded with a traditional Vriksharopan (tree-planting) ceremony, reflecting the nature-centred traditions associated with Tagore’s Shantiniketan.
The organisers said the symposium aimed to provide a platform for examining Tagore’s connections with Pune and Maharashtra while encouraging younger generations to engage with the region’s cultural and intellectual history.
