Ravindra Nath Tagore
An open vision of Tagore
In a Society, an individual can develop skill and knowledge through rigorous attempts to cope with the challenges of the Environment. With this conscious attempt of survival in a given society, an individual shapes his/her own Personality. This ever-evolving process of personality, corresponds to one’s educational acumen. Rabindranath Tagore pointed out two related directions of Education: education of pleasure and education for need. The complex relation between these two directions has been immensely propagated in the idea of Visva-Bharati (University) and Sriniketan. In a lecture at Oxford (“Personality”), Tagore pointed out: ‘If the world is taken away, our personality will lose all its contents.’ An organic relation between the ‘concrete world’ and the ‘world within’ was derived by Tagore. In this relation, ‘Man’ and ‘Nature’ are juxtaposed to form human personality. Ideas of education that of self-respect, selfreliance or Palli-punargathan (resurrection of Villages) was evolving in his mind at that time.
After the establishment of Visva-Bharati University (1916), Rabindranath was involved in shaping abstract ideas of self-respect and self-reliance into reality. He was inspired by the notions of personality and the environment. As the first Asian to receive a Noble-Prize in Literature in 1913, Tagore practically left no stone unturned to develop his 
Visva-Bharati. The ‘Nationalism’ debate or questions on social inequality were dealt with an idea of social organic synthesis: one which an individual enjoys a space of his own and creates ‘joy’ in every sphere of activity. He was more concerned with the idea of natural social balance than any organised revolution. This concern matches his ideals in upholding self-reliance of a ‘marginal man’.
He welcomed the idea of ‘activity’ (Shram) in elementary education which he had implemented in Siksa-satra. But at the same time, he argues for western mode of progressive elementary education (John Dewae) that was advocated by James (1842 – 1914) and Charles Piears (1839 – 1910). He read William James’ book entitled Talks to Teachers and Students (1899), which was presented by scientist Jagadish Chandra Bose and discussed with his fellows several times. Rabindranath was influenced by Graham Wallas’ idea of “opportunity for continuous initiative”. ‘Freedom’ was the only milieu where this continuous initiative could take place. In Siksa-Satra (July 1924), this freedom of expression was the only quest. Tagore (1924) wrote: “It is only through the fullest development of all his capacities that man is likely to achieve his real freedom”. This is close to Gandhi’s elementary education model.
Formation of Lokshikkha Samsad
Lokshikkha Sansad (Mass Education Council, 1937) was Tagore’s outstanding idea through which he tried to spread his educational views to the margin. A model of accreditation of lifelong Learning was there. And this ‘margin’ was not only on economic basis but also to reach the unreached and misplaced people.
Breaking the barrier
To shape this idea, Tagore formed Lokshikkha Samsad (Mass Education Council) at Visva Bharati in 1937 (Visva-Bharati Bulletin, 1937). His primary aim was to reach the people who were beyond institutional educational ambit. The idea of Lokshikkha Samsad evolved in his mind after he critically analysed the limitations of conventional education system. Tagore realised the crux of the problem for social development was expansion of education which was not possible through school or college education only. The aim of self-reliance can only be achieved through vertical and horizontal expansion and that can only be possible if informal education goes beyond formal territory of institutional education. People have innumerable set of skills and knowledge in their lives. The open approach to education should incorporate.
these everyday knowledge and skills to form a better social equilibrium. Tagore had an idea to open all barriers of education to everyone. In Lokshikkha Samsad, a pattern of today’s open learning institution was observed long before the establishment of any open universities in the world. The study centre concept has been introduced to develop non-conventional mode of teaching. There was increasing number of study centres across the state in pre-independent Bengal annually.
Dayananda was an important Hindu reformist whose views did much to promote gender-Equality, Democracy, education, as well as a new confidence in India’s cultural past and future capabilities. In some respects, he qualifies as an architect of modern India as am emerging scientific and technological power. Aspects of his views impacted negatively on inter-religious relations, however, and contributed to extreme forms of Hindu nationalism which denies non-Hindus their complete civil rights. Yet, in his own day, when he spoke of the superiority of Hindu culture and religion, he was doing so in defense of what Europeans in India had insulted and denigrated. A consequence of assuming racial, cultural, or religious superiority over others is that they retaliate, and reverse what is said about them. The Arya Samaj is now a worldwide movement.,
Ravindranath Tagore was a Bengali polymath who reshaped Bengali literature and music, as well as Indian art with Contextual Modernism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Author of over 3000 songs, including “Amar Shonar Bangla”, which became the National Anthem of Bangladesh and “Jana Gana Mana”, which became the national anthem of India, he became one of the first non-Europeans to win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913.
Tagore’s philosophy is based on the idea of advaita, or non-duality. He believed that the individual self is not separate from the divine self, and that the goal of life is to realize this unity. He also emphasized the importance of love, compassion, and non-violence.
Tagore’s ethical values are evident in his writings, music, and art. In his poetry, he often wrote about the beauty of nature and the importance of love and compassion. His songs are full of joy and optimism, and his paintings are often inspired by Hindu mythology.
Tagore’s ethical values have had a profound impact on Indian Society and culture. His ideas about non-violence, love, compassion, and peace have inspired millions of people around the world.
Here are some examples of Tagore’s ethical values in his writings:
- In his poem “Gitanjali”, Tagore writes: “Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high; Where knowledge is free; Where the world has not been broken up into fragments by narrow domestic walls; Where words come out from the depth of truth; Where tireless striving stretches its arms towards perfection; Where the clear stream of reason has not lost its way into the dreary desert sand of dead habit; Where the mind is led forward by Thee into ever-widening thought and actionâInto that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake.”
- In his song “Amar Shonar Bangla”, Tagore writes: “My golden Bengal, where the shining Ganges flows, Where the fields are green and the trees are tall, Where the flowers bloom and the birds sing, Where the people are kind and the land is fair, My golden Bengal, I love you.”
- In his painting “The Awakening of India”, Tagore depicts a woman emerging from the darkness into the Light. The woman is holding a lamp, which represents knowledge and enlightenment. The painting is a symbol of India’s struggle for independence and its eventual victory.
Tagore’s ethical values are still relevant today. In a world that is increasingly divided by violence, hatred, and intolerance, Tagore’s message of love, compassion, and non-violence is more important than ever. His ideas about the importance of education, social reform, and nationalism can help us to create a more just and equitable world.
Ravindranath Tagore was a Bengali polymath who reshaped Bengali literature and music, as well as Indian art with Contextual Modernism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Author of Gitanjali and its English translation, he became the first non-European to win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913.
Tagore’s legacy encompasses poetry, novels, short stories, essays, plays, songs, dance-dramas, paintings, sketches and hundreds of letters. He reshaped Bengali literature and music, as well as Indian art with Contextual Modernism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Author of the “Protest Song” “Amar Shonar Bangla”, which became the national anthem of Bangladesh in 1971 and the National Song of India in 1950, he is considered one of the greatest Indian literary figures.
Tagore was born in Calcutta, British India, into a wealthy Bengali family of landed gentry. His father, Debendranath Tagore, was a religious leader and social reformer who founded the Brahmo Samaj, a Hindu reform movement. His mother, Sarada Devi, was a devout Hindu who instilled in Tagore a love of nature and music.
Tagore was educated at home by private tutors. He showed an early talent for poetry and music, and began writing and composing at a young age. In 1877, he published his first book of poems, Sandhya Sangit (Evening Songs).
In 1883, Tagore married Mrinalini Devi, the daughter of a Brahmo Samaj leader. They had five children together, two of whom died in infancy.
In 1890, Tagore inherited the family estate at Jorasanko, Calcutta. He devoted himself to managing the estate and to writing. He also began to travel extensively, visiting England, Japan, and the United States.
In 1901, Tagore founded Shantiniketan, an experimental school in West Bengal. Shantiniketan was based on the principles of education for all, regardless of caste or religion. It also emphasized the importance of nature and the arts.
In 1913, Tagore was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for his “comprehensive, many-sided and artistically significant work, which has opened up new paths for Indian Literature.” He was the first non-European to win the Nobel Prize in Literature.
Tagore continued to write and compose until his death in 1941. He is considered one of the greatest Indian literary figures. His work has been translated into more than 50 languages.
Here are some frequently asked questions about Ravindranath Tagore:
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What is Ravindranath Tagore’s most famous work?
Tagore’s most famous work is Gitanjali, a collection of poems that was translated into English by Tagore himself and won him the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913. -
What is Ravindranath Tagore’s contribution to Indian literature?
Tagore is considered one of the greatest Indian literary figures. He reshaped Bengali literature and music, as well as Indian art with Contextual Modernism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. -
What is Ravindranath Tagore’s contribution to Indian culture?
Tagore is also considered one of the greatest Indian cultural figures. He founded Shantiniketan, an experimental school in West Bengal, which was based on the principles of education for all, regardless of caste or religion. It also emphasized the importance of nature and the arts. -
What is Ravindranath Tagore’s contribution to Indian society?
Tagore was a social reformer who campaigned for Women‘s rights and education for all. He was also a critic of British colonialism. -
What is Ravindranath Tagore’s legacy?
Tagore’s legacy is immense. He is considered one of the greatest Indian literary figures, and his work has been translated into more than 50 languages. He is also considered one of the greatest Indian cultural figures, and his work has had a profound impact on Indian society.
Sure, here are some MCQs about Ravindra Nath Tagore:
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Ravindra Nath Tagore was born in:
(a) Kolkata, India
(b) London, England
(c) Paris, France -
Tagore was a:
(a) poet
(b) novelist
(c) playwright
(d) all of the above -
Tagore won the Nobel Prize in Literature in:
(a) 1913
(b) 1914
(c) 1915 -
Tagore’s most famous work is:
(a) Gitanjali
(b) Gora
(c) The Home and the World -
Tagore was a strong advocate for:
(a) Indian independence
(b) women’s rights
(c) education for all -
Tagore’s work has been translated into more than:
(a) 50 languages
(b) 100 languages
(c) 150 languages -
Tagore’s birthday is celebrated as:
(a) Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti
(b) International Mother Language Day
(c) World Poetry Day -
Tagore’s house in Santiniketan, West Bengal, is now a:
(a) museum
(b) university
(c) both a museum and a university -
Tagore’s music is known for its:
(a) use of Indian classical music
(b) use of Western classical music
(c) use of both Indian and Western classical music -
Tagore’s paintings are known for their:
(a) use of bright colors
(b) use of bold lines
(c) use of both bright colors and bold lines
I hope these questions were helpful!