Rabindranath Tagore - Where the Mind is Without Fear – Gitanjali 35

 Rabindranath Tagore - Where the Mind is Without Fear – Gitanjali 35

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 action

Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake.

About Author

Rabindranath Tagore (1861-1941) was a renowned Bengali poet, writer, composer, and philosopher. He reshaped Bengali literature and music, as well as Indian art, with Contextual Modernism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Tagore was the first non-European to win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913 for his collection of poems, "Gitanjali" ("Song Offerings"). His profound works reflect a deep love for humanity, a quest for truth, and an unwavering belief in the power of education and cultural exchange. He was also an advocate for Indian independence and promoted social reforms through his writings and activities.

Summary

"Where the Mind is Without Fear" is a part of Tagore's famous work "Gitanjali" (Song Offerings), specifically poem number 35. It was written in the early 20th century during the Indian struggle for independence from British rule. The poem is a prayer to God for a nation that embodies freedom, truth, and reason. Tagore envisions a society where people are fearless, dignified, and united beyond societal divisions. Knowledge is freely accessible to everyone, and truth prevails in communication. The poet yearns for a place where individuals strive tirelessly for perfection and where rational thought triumphs over obsolete traditions. This utopian vision culminates in the hope that such a liberated and enlightened nation will awaken, guided by the divine.

Poem Comprehension

Where the mind is led forward by thee into ever-widening thought and action

Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake.

1. By whom is the mind led forward?

2. How does the poet describe ‘thought and action’?

3. Where does the poet want his country to awake?

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1. Enumerate the ideals of a utopian society described by Tagore in the poem.

The poem begins with a call for a society where the mind is without fear. This suggests an environment where individuals are free from the constraints of fear, both external (such as oppression or tyranny) and internal (such as self-doubt or insecurity). Tagore envisions a society where knowledge is revered and accessible to all. He speaks of a clear heaven of freedom where the mind can explore ideas without hindrance. Tagore refers to a society where people are not divided by narrow domestic walls, indicating a desire for inclusivity and equality among all individuals regardless of differences. There is a hint of discipline and responsibility in the line "Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake." This suggests a society where freedom is not taken for granted but is maintained through responsible citizenship and disciplined behavior. Tagore's vision also encompasses spiritual growth, where individuals strive to uplift themselves and their society morally and spiritually.

2. How does the poem reflect Tagore's views on Indian independence?

Essay

1. Explain how Rabindranath Tagore's vision of an ideal nation is portrayed in the poem.

2. Discuss how the poem reflects Tagore's aspirations for freedom and progress.

    Rabindranath Tagore's poem "Where the Mind is Without Fear" from his collection Gitanjali is a profound expression of his aspirations for freedom, progress, and enlightenment. In this poem, Tagore envisions an ideal world where individuals are free from fear and societal constraints, allowing them to realize their full potential. The opening line, "Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high," sets the tone for a world where people are free from fear and oppression. Tagore aspires for a society where individuals can live with dignity and self-respect.  The line "Where knowledge is free" reflects Tagore's desire for a world where education and knowledge are accessible to all, without barriers of class, caste, or economic status. This access to knowledge is crucial for individual and societal progress. 

    "Where the world has not been broken up into fragments by narrow domestic walls" expresses Tagore's hope for a world without divisions based on race, religion, or nationality. He envisions a global community united by mutual respect and understanding. The phrase "Where words come out from the depth of truth" signifies a society where honesty and integrity prevail. Tagore believes that genuine progress can only be achieved in an environment where truth is valued. "Where tireless striving stretches its arms towards perfection" highlights the importance of continuous effort and aspiration for excellence. Tagore sees progress as a relentless pursuit of improvement and perfection. "Where the clear stream of reason has not lost its way into the dreary desert sand of dead habit" emphasizes the significance of rational thinking and the rejection of outdated customs and superstitions. Tagore advocates for a progressive society driven by reason and logic.