Rabindranath Tagore

Early childhood

Rabindranath Tagore was born on 7th May 1861 in Calcutta, Bengal. Rabindranath was fondly called “Rabi” by his parents. His father debendranath Tagore was a well-known philosopher and social reformer.A child prodigy, Rabindranath wrote his first poem when he was merely seven. He did his early education at home and spent most of the time in the lap of nature.

Education and work

In 1878, he was sent to Brighton, England, to study law, but he failed to complete his studies and returned to Bengal in 1880. Back in his hometown, he devoted himself completely towards his love for reading and writing. In 1882, he wrote one of his most acclaimed poems, ‘Nirjharer Swapnabhanga’. In 1883, Tagore married Mrinalini Devi and fathered five children. In 1890, his compilation of poems, ‘Manasi’ was released.

Tagore as an educationist

Tagore's ideas for creating a system of education aimed at promoting international co-operation and creating global citizens. Tagore envisioned an education that was deeply rooted in one’s immediate surroundings but connected to the cultures of the wider world, predicated upon pleasurable learning and individualised to the personality of the child. He felt that the curriculum should revolve organically around nature, with flexible schedules to allow for shifts in weather, and with special attention to natural phenomena and seasonal festivities.

The aims reflected in the institution founded by Tagore:

Self realisation: Spiritual is the essence of humanism. Manifestation of personality depends upon the self-realisation and spiritual knowledge of individual.


Intellectual Development: It means development of imagination, creative free thinking, constant curiosity, alertness ofthe mind. Freedom of child to adopt his own way of learning, which would lead to all-round development.


Physical development: Sound and healthy physique through yoga, games, sports as integral part of education.


Love for Humanity: Education for international understanding and universal brotherhood. Education should teach people to realise oneness.


Freedom: Education is a man-making process, it explores the innate power that exists within man, it is not an imposition, but a liberal process that provides utmost freedom for development.



Co-relation of objects: A peaceful world is only possible when correlation between man and nature will be established.


Mother-tongue as medium of instruction: Language is the true vehicle of expression.



Moral and spiritual development: It is more important than bookish knowledge for an integral development of human personality, by encouraging selfless acts, co-operation, sharing and fellow-feeling among students.

Shantiniketan

In 1901, Rabindranath founded Shantiniketan, meaning ‘Abode of Peace’, an international university with an extensive and flexible curriculum suitable for students with different aptitudes and needs.This was perhaps the most glorious and happy period in Rabindranath’s life but things were about to change. Sadly, between 1902 and 1907, Tagore lost his wife, son and daughter. Out of his anguish, emerged some of his most sensitive and critically acclaimed work Gitanjalithat was published in 1910. It was authored in traditional Bengali dialect and comprised of 157 poems based on nature, spirituality and complex human emotions.

Gitanjali and Nobel prize

In 1913, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature. He was the first non-European to win a Nobel Prize in Literature!

In 1915, he was granted knighthood by the British, which he relinquished as a symbol of protest against the 1919 Jalianwala Bagh massacre. During the 1920s and 1930s, he travelled extensively around the world; earning a huge fan-following. “Let us not pray to be sheltered from dangers but to be fearless when facing them”- these inspirational words of Rabindranath Tagore infused new life into the young Indian freedom fighters. He used to deeply admire Mohandas Karamachand Gandhi and it was he who gave him the title “Mahatma”.

Jana Gana Mana – Indian national anthem

We are sure that all of you know that it was Rabindranath Tagore who penned the national anthem for India – ‘Jana Gana Mana’, but do you know that he also wrote the Bangladeshi national song – ‘Aamaar Sonaar Banglaa’?

Indian culture and Literature

Rabindranath Tagore loved to travel; during his lifetime, he visited more than thirty countries on five continents and spread the essence of Indian culture and Literature. His works have been translated into many foreign languages also including English, Spanish, German, Dutch etc. Even today, years after his death, this sage-like man, is alive in the hearts of the people of India through his treasured contribution in the realm of literature and music.