Mr. Ansari also appreciated the efforts of the Bangladesh government in the cultural exchange programs conducted the two countries for a year long period. He said, the celebrations of Tagore's 150th birth Anniversary have renewed and strengthened the bond of friendship between the people of India and Bangladesh.

Vice President Hamid Ansari on Monday said, the Versatile Genius Rabindranath Tagore through his teachings had proved that inherent national and human identities need not be contradictory and that promoting one's culture also promotes respect for other cultures.

Mr. Ansari said this while speaking at the closing ceremony of the year long Joint commemorative celebrations of 150th birth anniversary of Rabindra Nath Tagore by India and Bangladesh. The Vice President said that Gurudev heralded the cultural rapprochement between communities, societies and nations much before it became the liberal norm of conduct.  Mr. Ansari also appreciated the efforts of the Bangladesh government in the cultural exchange programs conducted the two countries for a year long period. He said, the celebrations of Tagore's 150th birth Anniversary have renewed and strengthened the bond of friendship between the people of India and Bangladesh.

The Foreign Minister of Bangladesh, Dipu Moni who was the Chief Guest on the ocassion said, Rabindranath Tagore through his teachings enriched the lives of both India and Bangladesh and also the international community.  She said, the universal values taught by Tagore are part of everyday life of people in Bangladesh. She also hailed that Bangladesh India Friendship lives forever.