Dr. Samit Sarangi: A Journey of Cultural Preservation and Social Commitment

Dr. Samit Sarangi, a distinguished educator, musician, cultural practitioner and social worker from West Bengal, represents a meaningful integration of academic excellence, cultural preservation and community service. His professional journey has been shaped by a sustained commitment to education and social development, while his work in music and cultural education reflects a deep respect for Bengal’s artistic heritage. In recognition of his contributions to social work and research, Dr. Sarangi is being recognised with the Tagore International Award 2026.

Dr. Sarangi has been associated with Belda College since 22 August 2005, where he began his career as a Music Teacher. Over the years, he has progressed in his academic responsibilities and currently serves as a Professor and Head of the Department (HOD). His work as an educator extends beyond classroom instruction. He has devoted considerable effort to nurturing the musical abilities of students and encouraging young people to engage with India’s rich cultural traditions.

A particularly important part of Dr. Sarangi’s cultural journey has been his long-standing engagement with Rabindra Sangeet. For more than 23 years, he has actively practised and promoted this distinctive musical tradition. His association with Rabindra Sangeet reflects not merely an artistic pursuit but also a commitment to preserving a significant element of Bengal’s cultural identity. Through teaching, performance and cultural engagement, he has helped introduce younger generations to the literary and musical legacy associated with Rabindranath Tagore.

His belief in the transformative power of cultural education also led him to establish Oitijhya Sanskritik Parishad (Heritage Cultural Council), an institution founded with his own financial support. The organisation seeks to provide children and young learners with opportunities to develop their artistic abilities and cultural awareness. Its activities encompass several disciplines, including dance, music, recitation, tabla and handicrafts. By creating a platform where different forms of traditional and creative expression can be learned, Dr. Sarangi has sought to make cultural education more accessible to the younger generation.

The establishment of Oitijhya Sanskritik Parishad is particularly significant because it demonstrates his understanding that education extends beyond academic qualifications. Artistic learning can contribute to confidence, discipline, creativity and an appreciation of cultural heritage. By encouraging children to participate in music and other performing and creative arts, the institution creates an environment in which cultural knowledge can be transmitted from one generation to another.

Alongside his academic and cultural responsibilities, Dr. Sarangi has been actively involved in social work for approximately 14 years. His social-service activities have focused on community welfare and development, reflecting his broader conviction that education and culture should contribute to the well-being of society. His work combines professional knowledge with a willingness to participate in initiatives directed towards community development and social welfare.

Dr. Sarangi also serves as the Secretary of Keshiary May Fair Society, an organisation associated with social service, education, culture and community development. Through this role, he continues to participate in activities intended to strengthen community engagement and promote constructive social initiatives. His involvement demonstrates an approach to social work that connects education and culture with broader community needs.

His professional journey therefore extends across several interconnected fields. As a professor and HOD, he contributes to higher education and student development. As a musician and practitioner of Rabindra Sangeet, he works to preserve and promote a valuable cultural tradition. Through Oitijhya Sanskritik Parishad, he provides opportunities for young learners to explore music, dance, recitation, tabla and handicrafts. As a social worker and office-bearer of a community-oriented organisation, he contributes to social welfare and development.

Research and social work, in this context, can be understood not simply as separate professional activities but as parts of a broader commitment to creating knowledge, strengthening communities and encouraging cultural awareness. Dr. Sarangi’s experience demonstrates how academic professionals can extend their influence beyond institutional boundaries by engaging with society and supporting cultural and educational initiatives.

The philosophy underlying his work is straightforward but significant: education and culture can become instruments of positive social transformation. When young people are given access to education alongside opportunities for creative expression, they can develop a stronger sense of confidence, identity and responsibility. Similarly, when cultural traditions are actively taught and practised, they remain living forms of heritage rather than becoming distant historical memories.

Dr. Sarangi’s contribution is therefore marked by continuity. Since joining Belda College in 2005, he has remained connected to teaching and the development of students. His more than two decades of involvement with Rabindra Sangeet demonstrate sustained cultural commitment, while his 14 years of social work illustrate a continuing engagement with community welfare. The creation and support of Oitijhya Sanskritik Parishad further reflects his willingness to invest personally in cultural and educational development.

The Tagore International Award 2026 recognition in the field of Social Work & Research acknowledges this multidimensional contribution. It places particular emphasis on the values that connect Dr. Sarangi’s different areas of work: education, cultural preservation, social responsibility and community development. His journey illustrates how an educator can become a cultural facilitator and social contributor while remaining firmly rooted in academic life.

At a time when traditional cultural practices face the challenge of maintaining relevance among younger generations, initiatives that connect heritage with accessible education acquire particular importance. Dr. Sarangi’s work demonstrates one way of addressing this challenge—by creating spaces where children and young people can learn, practise and appreciate different artistic disciplines. His continued promotion of Rabindra Sangeet further strengthens this commitment to preserving Bengal’s cultural traditions.

Dr. Samit Sarangi’s journey is ultimately a story of sustained service across education, music, culture and society. His work at Belda College, his long association with Rabindra Sangeet, the establishment of Oitijhya Sanskritik Parishad, and his continuing involvement in social service collectively represent a career guided by the belief that knowledge should serve society. Through these efforts, he has contributed not only to the development of students but also to the preservation of cultural heritage and the strengthening of community-oriented initiatives.

The Tagore International Award 2026 recognises this integrated body of work and acknowledges Dr. Sarangi’s contribution to Social Work & Research. His career demonstrates that meaningful social contribution can take many forms—through teaching, research, cultural education, preservation of heritage and direct community engagement. By bringing these dimensions together, Dr. Sarangi has built a professional and social legacy centred on education, culture and service.