Sriniketan Experiment

In India, Sriniketan Experiment in the beginning of this century was considered to be the first attempt in rural development. Sri Rabindra Nath Tagore, a visionary and a poet had brought a sea change in the environs surrounding Sriniektan in West Bengal. The programme aimed at socio-economic as well as moral rehabilitation of rural community. As part of the rural development programme, monkeys and malaria was eradicated in first phase. Later on, new strategy of agriculture, new breeds of cows, poultry and village crafts were introduced. Doors of education were opened to village children, adults. In addition, villagers were educated in the use of new agricultural implements by way of demonstrations.

The experiment was quiet successful in small area and in a few villages. The level of economy looked up and the standard of living of people improved. New awakening and confidence arose among the villagers. The experiment, however, could not be carried out for want of continued professional guidance and trained personnel. Over and above, the government machinery tried to work in a mechanical routine.

Inspite of innumerable handicaps, Tagore's ideas and influence inspired and penetrated every corner of Sriniketan. He constantly urged that "our practical achievements, our clean milk, our fresh eggs, our flourishing co-operatives, were all useful means, but still only means towards the achievement of much greater end." He urged to draw up all resources, in music, song, drama and dance at Sriniketan, so as to enrich lives and to increase delight in every kind of artistic expression, until the cultivators could produce a richness and a wealth of cultural life and rejuvenation of these ancient art forms that still survived, but so tenuously around the village.