Sanskriti Express, the exhibition train in memory of poet Rabindranath Tagore, drew hundreds of visitors on Monday. The train was inaugurated at the Bally station in the morning following its arrival from Asansol after travelling to other places, an Eastern Railway (ER) official informed. On May 9, railway minister Mamata Banerjee had flagged off the train on a nation-wide journey to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Tagore.
Different works of Tagore have been showcased in the five well-decorated coaches of the train. Besides, rare photographs of the poet have also been put on display. Jibonsmriti, the first coach, highlights the life of the Nobel laureate. Next is Gitanjali which has famous songs, poems and important letters. “It is a new experience for us. I will come again in the afternoon,” said Rohit Saini, a Class 7 student of North Point High School in Bally, who visited the train with his classmates.
In the third coach Muktadhara, series of novels and short stories written by Tagore have been on put on display. “The railway ministry has done a splendid job. The common people of the country can know more about Tagore now,” said an 83-year-old visitor Suramya Kumar Chanda.
Chitralekha, the fourth coach, has a gallery of different paintings of Tagore. “There are many things on display which are not available in the history books.” said Mr Chanda’s undergraduate grandson Ratnadip. The fifth coach, divided in two parts Last Journey and Smaranika, showcases the final days of Tagore. The train will stay at Bally station till Tuesday.