Tagore deemed education as means of unfolding divinity and realization of Truth: Special on Gurudev’s death anniversary

As we celebrate Rabindranath Tagore’s death anniversary on August 7, 2025, we need to revisit his educational philosophy which is most relevant in present times which is being marked by objectification of knowledge and education is being converted into a commodity for profits. Tagore’s educational philosophy consists of four elements: naturalism, humanism, idealism and progressiveness with core principles of natural surroundings and freedom of expression.

He believed that education was meant to enable the mind to 'find out that ultimate truth which emancipates us from the bondage of dust and gives us wealth not of things but of inner light, not of power but of love.'

He had deemed learning as a process of enlightenment resulting into divine wealth and realization of truth by 'dispelling ignorance and ushering in the light of knowledge.' Education should enable us to lead a complete life – economic, intellectual, aesthetic, social and spiritual.

Shantiniketan was created with a natural ambience to cultivate a love for nature, to impart knowledge and wisdom in one’s native language, provide freedom of mind, heart and will, a natural ambience, and to eventually enrich Indian culture.

Tagore wrote that In education, the most inspiring atmosphere of creative activity is important. "Primary function of the institution must be constructive; scope must be for all kinds of intellectual exploration. Teaching must be one with culture, spiritual, intellectual, aesthetic, economic and social. True education is to realize at every step how our training and knowledge have an organic connection with our surroundings" he held.

Tagore's ideas on education through haiku as follows.

For right student growth

Link learning to culture

In lap of nature

Humanise learning

Guide students to discover,

Think and imbibe

Consider child divine

Educate senses and mind

To unfold learning