The Embassy of India in Kazakhstan organized a solemn ceremony on 21st July 2010 at the National Academic Library of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Astana to commemorate the 150th Birth Anniversary of Nobel laureate Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore. A number of diplomats and local dignitaries from different walks of life including political leaders, intellectuals, academics, scholars, students, cultural activists and friends of India attended the event.

The programme was inaugurated by Ambassador Ashok Sajjanhar alongwith the Vice Minster of Culture of Kazakhstan Mr. Gaziz Telebayev, Senator and world renowned composer Mr. Tolegen Mukhamedzhanov and Director of National Academic Library Ms. Zhanna Shaimukhambetova.

In his address, Ambassador Sajjanhar characterized Rabindranath Tagore as a multifaceted personality who was not only a prolific writer but also a philosopher, social reformer, artist, music composer and educationist. In his remarks, Vice Minister of Culture Mr. Telebayev referred strong bonds of bilateral cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the area of culture, arts and music. Senator Mukhamedzhanov recited some poems from the works of Gurudev Tagore and spoke about the relevance of Tagore’s writings for the whole world.

A short and beautiful cultural programme based on the Rabindra Sangeet was presented by Mr. Tapan Roy, Dance Teacher at the Indian Cultural Centre and by the two accomplished students of the Centre. Rabindranath Tagore’s poems were recited in Kazakh and Bengali and a documentary film ‘The Story of Geetanjali’ was screened. The event concluded with a small Reception in which Indian snacks and delicacies were served.