Odisha to Restore Rabindranath Tagore's Seaside Home as a Museum
The Odisha government has announced plans to restore 'Pather Puri', the historic seaside residence of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore in Puri, and convert it into a museum. The building, where Tagore is believed to have penned several memorable poems, had fallen into disrepair. The initiative aims to preserve the significant cultural landmark and celebrate the poet's deep connection to Odisha. Once complete, the museum is expected to become a major literary and cultural attraction in the historic temple town.
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Tagore was allotted land in Puri by the then prime minister of Odisha in 1939, where he built 'Pather Puri' and stayed as a state guest. He was deeply inspired by the town and wrote several poems during his stay, reflecting his connection with Odisha.
During his 1939 stay at Pather Puri, Tagore is believed to have written at least three poems: 'Pravasi', 'Janmadin', and 'Epare Opare', which are associated with his experiences in Puri.
After Tagore's family donated the property to the state, it was used as a boys' hostel for Samanta Chandra Sekhar College. It was later abandoned, leading to its deterioration over time.
Restoring Pather Puri preserves a site linked to a Nobel laureate and celebrates Tagore's literary legacy in Odisha. The museum aims to become a major cultural attraction, highlighting the poet's ties to the region and promoting literary tourism.