Guides to aid foreign tourists in RBU Jorashanko campus

Kolkata: In a unique initiative, the state Tourism department has decided to appoint guides at the Jorashanko campus of Rabindra Bharati University to attract more foreign tourists.

Over the years, it has been found that many foreign tourists visit the Jorashanko campus. They face some problems in knowing the place as there are no appointed guides. The university employees who are there, do not always help tourists to see the places.

Keeping in view the footfall of foreign tourists, the Transport department has decided that it would appoint guides who will not only be well-versed in various languages, but will also have detailed knowledge about the place.

A sizeable amount of visitors come from Bangladesh. Apart from Bengali and English, the guides will also know other languages like French and Mandarin.

The Jorashanko Thakurbari was the ancestral home of the Tagore family where Rabindranath Tagore was born and spent a major part of his life. It was built in the 18th century by Prince Dwarkanath Tagore, Rabindranath Tagore's grandfather. The name 'Jorashanko' came into being from the fact that it was named after the twin Shankar (Shiva) temples located near the home.

In the year 1961, as part of the centenary celebration of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, the then government took over the house. Thus, it came under the care of the state government. Finally on May 8, 1961, the Rabindra Bharati Museum was established by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the then Prime Minister of India, in honour of Rabindranath Tagore.

The museum complex has several buildings. The Rabindra Bharati Museum is housed within the university and is a major repository of the works of the Tagore family, especially of Abanindranath and Rabindranath.

Apart from the museum, there are five art galleries which a large number of people visit every year. Senior officials of the state Tourism department have held meetings with the university officials. A written letter would soon be sent to the university regarding the matter.

According to a senior Tourism department official, it would be implemented soon. The guides will also be trained by the department. The department also has a plan to engage guides in various other tourist spots.