Jayasree Bhattacharjee Honored with Rabindra Ratna Puraskar 2025 for Excellence in Bengali Poetry Recitation

Jayasree Bhattacharjee, a distinguished figure in the realm of Bengali poetry, has been awarded the prestigious Rabindra Ratna Puraskar 2025. Conferred by the Veyil Foundation, the award honors her outstanding contribution to the preservation and performance of Bengali literature, particularly through her exceptional interpretation and recitation of Gitanjali, the Nobel Prize-winning masterpiece by Rabindranath Tagore. Jayasree Bhattacharjee’s recognition comes as a testament to her years of dedication to the art of poetic recitation. With a voice that carries both emotional depth and scholarly understanding, she brings to life the spiritual and philosophical nuances of Tagore’s verses. Her ability to communicate the profound themes embedded in Gitanjali has earned her admiration not only from local audiences but also from Bengali literature enthusiasts across the globe.

The Rabindra Ratna Puraskar, instituted by the Veyil Foundation, is awarded annually to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to promoting Tagorean literature and Bengali cultural heritage. By selecting Jayasree Bhattacharjee for this honor, the foundation underscores the importance of oral traditions in keeping classical literature relevant in contemporary times. The award is not merely a personal milestone but a celebration of Bengal’s rich literary past and its living traditions. Through her mesmerizing recitations, Bhattacharjee has carved out a space where poetry is not just heard but deeply felt. Her performances are known for their authenticity and emotional resonance, allowing listeners to engage with Tagore’s messages of love, humanity, and spiritual awakening in profoundly personal ways. She has performed extensively at cultural festivals, literary gatherings, and educational institutions, often drawing standing ovations and critical acclaim.

Beyond her performances, Jayasree Bhattacharjee also serves as an inspiration to young poets and orators. Her journey reflects the potential of performance art in reviving interest in classical literature. In a time when literary consumption is rapidly evolving, her work stands as a reminder of the enduring power of the spoken word and the importance of cultural continuity. Speaking after receiving the award, Bhattacharjee expressed her gratitude to the Veyil Foundation and reiterated her lifelong commitment to preserving the spirit of Bengali literature. “This recognition strengthens my resolve to keep bringing Tagore’s vision to audiences far and wide. His words are timeless, and through them, I aim to keep our literary traditions alive,” she said.

As she joins the ranks of previous Rabindra Ratna awardees—each a torchbearer of Indian arts and culture—Jayasree Bhattacharjee's legacy is now firmly etched in the annals of Bengali literary history. Her achievement not only celebrates her individual talent but also reaffirms the relevance and vitality of Tagore’s poetry in today’s world.