Argentine Author Reflects on Deepening India-Argentina Cultural Bonds at Kolkata Book Fair
At the vibrant International Kolkata Book Fair, where Argentina proudly stands as the theme country this year, Argentine author and dedicated Tagore scholar Gustavo Canzobre captivated audiences with his insights into a remarkable cultural connection spanning 175 years. Canzobre, serving as a special guest at the prestigious literary event, emphasized how the bond between Argentina and Bengal has flourished through shared literary, educational, and sporting passions.
Historical Roots and Tagore's Enduring Influence
The cultural linkage traces its origins back to 1850, when the first Argentine traveler set foot in Kolkata, marking the beginning of a rich cross-continental relationship. Canzobre, who has devoted over three decades to researching Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, revealed how Tagore's educational philosophies continue to inspire Argentine classrooms today.
"I have been researching Tagore for at least thirty years," Canzobre shared with Express. "We draw inspiration from his educational thoughts and practices developed at Shantiniketan, implementing them through our educational initiatives at the Hastinapur Foundation in Argentina."
The author's commitment to this cultural exchange is profound. He regularly visits India, particularly Kolkata, and previously participated in Visva-Bharati University events, including the 2014 celebration commemorating Tagore's ninety-year legacy in Argentina.
Diplomatic Evolution and Personal Encounters
Canzobre observed that Argentina-India relations have matured significantly both diplomatically and culturally. Since 2018, this bond has evolved into a strategic association, characterized by expanding trade relations and a deepening shared cultural history.
During his current visit, Canzobre met West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, expressing admiration for her leadership. "I just met her today but I was impressed," he remarked. "There is an election soon, I wish her the best. I know that she is an independent movement in herself and she looks strong. Very strong and our world needs strong women because strong men have done disasters."
Immersive Cultural Experience and Culinary Delights
Despite enduring a grueling forty-hour journey from Argentina, Canzobre found solace in Shantiniketan's tranquil environment, where he stayed in a traditional Bengali home. He fully immersed himself in local customs and cuisine, savoring authentic Bengali dishes prepared by his cook Sharmila.
"Yes, yes, I was living in a Bengali house with a Bengali cook named Sharmila," he recounted enthusiastically. "She cooks all these incredible foods—khichuri, fish of different kinds. We had curd daily, with this sweet that you get out of the palm. Nolen gur I love."
Football Passion and Contrasting Memories
The conversation naturally turned to football, a shared passion between Argentina and Bengal. When asked about Lionel Messi's controversial visit to Kolkata in December, Canzobre expressed empathy for disappointed fans.
"I was asking Bengali people because we didn't properly understand what had happened," he said. "We came to know that people wanted to see him more. Actually, you don't get to see Messi that frequently. So they had come from different cities and traveled for hours to just get a glimpse."
Canzobre shared personal connections to Messi, noting that his wife Heidi hails from Rosario—Messi's hometown—and has family connections to the football star's family. He emphasized how Messi maintains his Rosario roots despite his career in Spain.
This recent disappointment contrasted sharply with Canzobre's memories of Diego Maradona's visit years earlier. "In my first travel to Kolkata, or second, I don't know, it was the time when Diego Maradona was here," he recalled. "That football space was being inaugurated because he had made a donation, and we were impressed by all the lines of little Bengali children going toward him and placing their hands on Diego's feet. It was incredible to see how the Indian way was so present, even in football. For us that value so much the Indian traditions, the Indian spiritual traditions, the Messi episode was really shocking."
Through his reflections, Gustavo Canzobre beautifully illustrated how cultural connections between Argentina and India continue to strengthen through literature, education, diplomacy, and shared sporting passions—proving that some bonds truly transcend geographical distances.
