QUES . What was the difference between Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore in their approach toward education and nationalism? UPSC 2023 GS MAINS PAPER I , 150 words, 10 Marks
HINTS:
Gandhi and Tagore had similar ideals of the holistic development of the society but both had differentiating and unique approaches on the ideas of education and nationalism.
Approach towards education : Mahatma Gandhi vs Rabindranath Tagore
Gandhi advocated for education as a means to make people self-reliant and self-sufficient. He advocated for economic self-sufficiency through productive work within educational institutions. He promoted “Nai Talim,” emphasizing learning through activity and practicality. Gandhi advocated and emphasised the idea of basic education, emphasising skills that would be directly useful to the masses, such as farming and handicrafts.
Tagore on the other hand, emphasized self-realization as a crucial outcome of education, focusing on an individual’s understanding of themselves. He viewed education as a means of acquiring boundless knowledge without strict ties to self-sufficiency. Tagore encouraged self-expression, creativity, and individualism, fostering an environment that celebrated freedom of thought and expression. For instance, he promoted exploring arts, literature, and nature. He founded schools and a university in Santiniketan, which aimed to focus on holistic educational development and intercultural understanding.
Gandhi focused on educating the common man for societal improvement. However Tagore aimed to nurture saints and exemplary individuals through education.
Gandhi advocated for an education system that drew from Indian cultural and moral values, seeking to reconnect Indians with their rich heritage. Whereas Tagore’s perspective on education was cosmopolitan and focused on nurturing a global outlook. He founded Visva-Bharati University to combine Indian traditions with international values. Tagore supported the inclusion of modern science in education alongside traditional knowledge and advocated for the assimilation of the best aspects of Western education into the Indian system.
Approach towards nationalism : Mahatma Gandhi vs Rabindranath Tagore
Gandhi regarded nationalism as an integral part of the broader global struggles for justice and equality, considering it a vehicle for serving humanity’s greater good. Gandhi emphasised the inclusion of all sections of society, including the marginalised, in the nationalist movement. For greater mass participation, he promoted Hindu-Muslim unity and upliftment of Dalits through his constructive programme.
Gandhi’s nationalism was centred on non-violence and satyagraha, advocating for India’s independence without resorting to violence. Gandhi believed that non-violence was the most effective way to achieve Indian independence. He led several mass movements against the British, including the Non-Cooperation movement and the Quit India Movement.
Tagore on the other hand believed that nationalism should be inclusive and should respect the diversity of cultures and religions. Tagore’s internationalist perspective advocated global cooperation and understanding. Tagore expressed profound concern regarding the fragmentation of the world and the pursuit of power through the lens of nationalism. Tagore’s approach to nationalism was more cosmopolitan and humanistic. He criticised narrow nationalism, which he believed could lead to intolerance and chauvinism.
Despite the differences, their diverse approaches contributed significantly to the Indian independence movement and the shaping of India’s cultural and educational landscape.
Must read: Differences in the approach of Subhash Chandra Bose and Mahatma Gandhi in the struggle for freedom
External link: https://indianhistorycollective.com/great-debates-tagore-vs-gandhi-1921/
