Tagore’s poem, ‘Where The Mind Is Without Fear’, envisions a nation that is free from fear and oppression. He longs for a society where individuals can freely express themselves without any tension or compulsion. Tagore emphasizes the importance of unrestricted knowledge and the elimination of narrow ideas and loyalties. He believes that British rule has stripped India of its pride and dignity, turning it into a subjugated nation.
In Tagore’s vision, India is imagined as a nation where its inhabitants take pride in their knowledge and the strength it brings. It is a land where individuals transcend the limitations of caste, creed, and religion that have hindered their understanding of humanity. Removing bias and irrational beliefs, which only serve to segregate and restrict minds, is vital to this dream. Instead, the desired India is a place where truthful words emanate from deep within one’s heart and are fearlessly expressed for all to hear.
People strive for perfection using reason, disregarding superstitious rituals. In this society, individuals are free to work diligently for their personal desires or the benefit of the nation. Everyone is encouraged to persevere until they achieve complete satisfaction and perfection. The light of reason remains unextinguished, despite the presence of blind superstitious beliefs and actions.
Tagore’s prayer to the Supreme Ultimate is for people to not be fixated on past mistakes but instead be guided by rational thinking and focused on the future through scientific thought and action. The ultimate goal is for India to achieve true freedom by adopting a universal perspective and a steadfast commitment to realizing lofty human ideals. This is the path that will lead India to fulfill its destiny.
