Source: AZ Quotes
Rabindranath Tagore was India’s most impressive writer. He was a poet, artist, novelist, musician, educator, and researcher. Often referred to as ‘Gurudev’ Tagore was inclined toward art, literature, and music since he was a child.
Because of his inspirational poems and brilliant narratives, Tagore became a cultural ambassador of India. He introduced Indian culture and its rich heritage to the West. His work Gitanjali, a collection of 157 poems, was published by the Indian Society, London, in 1912.
Where The Mind is Without Fear was composed in Bengali under the title, 'Prarthana'. Its English translation by Tagore himself appeared as Poem 35 in Gitanjali in 1912. It is one of the most discussed poems focusing on freedom. When India was under British rule, Where The Mind is Without Fear acted as a prayer to God for freedom. It is a hymn that has inspired generations of Indians to be free from manipulative powers.
Summary
In the first verse, Rabindranath Tagore prays for his nation to be free of oppression and forced obedience. He aspires for everyone in his country to walk with their heads held high. He believes that in a free country, everyone should be fearless with a sense of self-worth.
The poet fantasizes about a country where knowledge is freely available. Education must not be limited to the social elite. Everyone should be able to gain information. Children must learn from the experience of the world around them instead of memorizing specified lessons.
The poet stresses the unity of not only his people but also the entire planet in the following lines. He argues that people must not be divided based on their caste, creed, color, religion, and other superstitions. Prejudices and superstitions should not separate individuals into groups and destroy their unity.
Tagore wishes for a country where people are honest and words originate from the heart. The poet hopes for everyone to work hard to achieve their goals and perfection. He believes that people must be responsible and that working hard must not exhaust them.
Next, the poet compares 'reason' or logical thinking to a "clear stream," whereas 'dead habits' or superstitions to a "dreary desert." He does not want a reason trapped in the sands of prejudice. He wants people's thoughts governed by reasoning. Rationality should take precedence over superstitions and unfounded ideas. The poet intends for his people to be progressive and open-minded. He urges the Almighty to lead them forward into the "ever-widening thought and action." To summarize, we must be open-minded and exceptional to conquer our mental restrictions.
Thus the poet requests the Almighty for his country to reach great heights. And where freedom is utilized to its full potential. It will awaken his nation from the darkness of ignorance, intolerance, and separation.
Themes in the Poem
Freedom
The theme of Tagore's "Where the Mind is Without Fear" is colonial freedom and what it takes to acquire it. This poem was composed during the British rule of India before independence. The poem is a prayer where Tagore is to God, requesting God to free India from British rule.
Unity
The poet discusses unity, brotherhood, and togetherness. The poet claims that society is divided into little pieces. Discrimination is practiced based on race, religion, language, and other factors. This divide prevents the country from developing and succeeding. India has to be one to get freedom.
Rationality
The poem expresses a wish for society to abandon superstitions and irrational beliefs. It wishes for everyone to think rationally and critically. People who trust logic and reason will never allow blind faiths to take root.
Poet’s Message
Tagore's message is obvious in the poem. A nation's freedom cannot be enjoyed if citizens are not smart enough to live a happy and pleasant lifestyle free of all evils. The poet wishes for a liberated India. An India free of age-old caste discriminating traditions that are weakening our foundations. He wants people to be innovative, and think critically so they can enjoy true freedom.
Conclusion
"Where the Mind is Without Fear" stands out because it lacks the metaphysical longing of the other poems. Rabindranath expresses various aspects of his emotional and social conceptions. Despite being addressed to God, we hear the poetry of wisdom when we read the poem. This poem goes beyond the typical patriotic poem. It symbolizes everything India has always stood for: worldwide tolerance, harmony, self-reliance, and loyalty.
Written by Garima Jain
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