Context:
Santiniketan in West Bengal has been inscribed on the UNESCO’s World Heritage List (41st UNESCO World Heritage Site in India) at 45th session of the World Heritage Committee.
About Santiniketan:
- A cultural and educational institution located in West Bengal.
- Literal meaning – “Abode of peace”
- Old name – Bhubandanga
- Originally an ashram established by Maharshi Debendranath Tagore in 1863.
- Later, Rabindranath Tagore envisioned it as a university town and established a school and was later expanded into the Visva-Bharati University.
- Teaching methodology –
- Unique educational philosophy emphasizing the integration of nature, creativity, and holistic learning.
- Follows the concept of an open-air classroom.
- Other UNESCO recognitions in West Bengal –
- Sundarbans National Park
- Darjeeling Mountain Railways
- Durga Puja in Kolkata (UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity)
UNESCO World Heritage Site:
- Landmarks or areas selected for their cultural, historical, scientific, or other significant value.
- Selection Criteria –
- Sites must be already-classified landmarks, unique and significant culturally or physically
- To be included on the World Heritage List, sites must be of outstanding universal value and meet at least one out of ten selection criteria.
- World Heritage Committee –
- Selects and monitors World Heritage Sites
- Manages the World Heritage Fund and provides financial assistance
- India is a member of the World Heritage Committee (2021-2025)
Source: The Hindu
Previous Year Question
Consider the following statements:
1. Francis Xavier was one of the founding members of the Jesuit Order.
2. Francis Xavier died in Goa and a church is dedicated to him there.
3. The Feast of St. Francis Xavier is celebrated in Goa each year.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2021 Prelims]
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (c)
