This year marks the 150th anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore, and the Museum on Wheels is to commemorate this.
Here's a little quiz…What was Rabindranath Tagore fondly called? When was he born? And which coveted award did he win? In case you don't know the answers to any of these make sure to visit Sanskriti Yathra. A mobile museum which gives us a glimpse into his life and showcases the works of this versatile genius also fondly remembered as Gurudev.
The train which was flagged on in May is cruising around the Indian subcontinent till the end of the year. This five- coach train exhibits everything we have probably only read in our history books. An innovative concept one must not miss getting aboard this.
Coach one: Named Jibon Smriti it literally means recalling Tagore's life right from when he was born on May 7, 1861 to his years spent in Shantiniketan and Sriniketan. History records some of his work, the first being his poem which he penned at the age of 16.
Coach two: Named Gitanjali after his famous work that also won him the Nobel prize in 1913. W.B. Yeats, the famous English poet, write the introductory note to this book.
Coach three: Named Muktodhara this coach depicts the writings, comprising several short stories, novels, dramas, prose and essays. It's here that we also see Tagore as a performer — his songs and recitals…
Coach four: Named Chitralekha, throws light on his creative side as it displays the artistic and skilful paintings, portraits and sketches done by the Kavi Guru.
Coach five: The last coach presents the photographs describing Tagore's final journey and last days of his life. There is also a small kiosk where you can buy souvenirs of Shantiniketan.
The train will be visiting a few places in the next two months. And if you happen to stay close or get a chance to visit any of the places mentioned do make sure to travel through this Nobel Laureate's life through his work…and get to know him better. After all he is the one who composed our National Anthem.
Destinations
Rameshwaram - October 12- 14
Thiruvananthapuram - October
15, 16
Ernakulam - October 18-20
Bangalore - October 25-28
Hubli - October 29, 30
Goa - October 31- November 2
Mangalore Central -
November 5-7
LT Terminus Mumbai -
November 15- 16
Ahmedabad - November 22-23