Kolkata: Stethoscopes
gave way to songs, prescriptions made space for poetry, and hospital corridors
found an artistic extension at the historic Indian Museum as doctors
from Manipal Hospitals Kolkata stepped onto the cultural stage to
celebrate the birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore. In an evening where
healers transformed into performers, the celebration beautifully reflected how
Tagore’s timeless words, music and philosophy continue to touch lives beyond
generations, professions and boundaries. Organised by Manipal Hospitals
Kolkata at the iconic Indian Museum, the programme brought together doctors
from its units across EM Bypass, Mukundapur, Dhakuria, Salt Lake and
Broadway for an immersive cultural evening dedicated to Bengal’s literary
and artistic heritage.
Set against the grandeur of one of India’s oldest and
most prestigious cultural institutions, the programme created a rare confluence
of healthcare, humanity and culture. In a remarkable display of unity and
artistic expression, 19 doctors across various units performed in harmony,
coming together beyond their clinical responsibilities to celebrate the
timeless legacy of Rabindranath Tagore through music and literature. The
evening featured memorable presentations including “Jagorane Jay
Bibhaabori,” “Prano Bhoriya Trisha Horiye,” “Ami Chini Go Chini,”
“Mono Moro Megher Sangi,” and “Pagla Hawar Badal Dine,” alongside
powerful recitations such as “Bansi,” “Nirjhorer Sopno Bhongo,” and
excerpts from “Shesher Kobita.” The performances created an emotional
and nostalgic atmosphere for patients, caregivers, hospital staff and invited
guests, reinforcing the belief that healing extends far beyond medicine.
Speaking on the
occasion, Dr. Sayan Bhattacharya, Director, Indian Museum, Kolkata (Ministry of
Culture, Government of India), said, “Rabindra Jayanti is not merely
a literary or cultural observance; it is an emotion deeply embedded in India’s
collective cultural identity. Indian Museum, being the oldest and largest
museum in the Asia-Pacific, has itself journeyed alongside nation’s intellectual,
artistic and social awakening much of which has been shaped by Kaviguru
himself. Rabindranath Tagore has represented an entire worldview rooted in
knowledge, humanity and inclusivity. At a time when museums across the world
are evolving into more inclusive and people-centric spaces, Tagore’s philosophy
remains deeply relevant, as he envisioned a society beyond barriers of class,
language and geography. The participation of healthcare professionals in
celebrating Rabindranath Tagore’s legacy holds special significance. Beyond
their demanding professional responsibilities, they have come together at historic
premises to express their creative selves. This beautifully reflects the
national vision of Viksit Bharat where progress and heritage move
together through the spirit of ‘Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi’, nurturing both social
wellbeing and cultural continuity.
(Prof.) Dr. Rabindra Nath Chakraborty, Head of the
Department- Cardiology, Manipal Hospital, EM Bypass, who performed recitation during the programme, said,
“Reciting Tagore’s poems at a venue like the Indian Museum was an incredibly
emotional and fulfilling experience. As doctors, we are constantly engaged in
healing people physically, but art and literature allow us to connect with
emotions in a very different way. Tagore’s poetry carries timeless human
values, and through this celebration, we could share those emotions with
patients, colleagues and audiences beyond the hospital environment.”
Dr. Shatanik Sarkar, Consultant - Paediatric
Cardiologist - Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, who performed Rabindra Sangeet at the event, said, “Music has an
extraordinary ability to comfort, heal and unite people. Singing Tagore’s songs
during this celebration was deeply special because it allowed us to step away
briefly from our medical responsibilities and connect with everyone through
culture and emotion. Such initiatives remind us that healthcare is also about
bringing warmth, positivity and human connection into people’s lives.”
Dr. Ansu Sen, Senior Consultant, Neurology, Manipal
Hospital, Saltlake, added, “Rabindra
Sangeet has a timeless calming effect that resonates across generations. Being
part of this programme was truly memorable because it reflected another side of
us as doctors, one rooted in art, empathy and emotional connection. Celebrating
Rabindra Jayanti in such a culturally significant setting made the evening even
more meaningful and memorable for everyone present.”
Adding a unique artistic dimension to the evening, Dr.
Sanjoy Basu, Senior Consultant and Clinical Lead - Department of Medical
Gastroenterology, Manipal Hospital Mukundapur created a beautiful live
painting of Rabindranath Tagore as a heartfelt tribute to Kaviguru on his 165th
birth anniversary. The artistic gesture became one of the highlights of the
programme, symbolising the deep emotional and cultural connection shared by the
participating doctors with Tagore’s enduring legacy.
Through this unique Rabindra Jayanti celebration,
Manipal Hospitals Kolkata once again reinforced its commitment towards holistic
wellbeing by blending healthcare with culture, compassion and community
engagement, creating an evening that celebrated not only the legacy of
Rabindranath Tagore but also the human side of healing.