Where the mind is without fear is a poem that visualizes Tagore’s philosophy about knowledge, equality, and religion. Tagore presents the theme of social equality. This is my prayer to thee is another notable work by Tagore.
The poet invites his country to a state where everyone is treated equally irrespective of caste, religion, class, and gender. Tagore introduces his concept of freedom in more inclusive and wider terms.
This poem narrates the four basic philosophies; naturalism, humanism, internationalism, and idealism presented by Tagore. He observes how human brotherhood leads a nation to ultimate freedom. His concept of equality matches Gandhi’s concept of Ramarajya. K Satchidanandan’s Gandhi and Poetry reflect Gandhi’s concepts about equality and care for the downtrodden.
Tagore advocates for a nation where people have freedom of speech and no one is subsided based on occupations. He mocks the Indian society where the upper class denied education to outer castes.
Tagore scorns the establishments including class, caste, and religion that can create separation in the society. He evokes people to make rational grounds while making judgments. He also points out the inevitable role of truth in bringing perfection.
Tagore supports rationalization but never denies the importance of superior powers. Tagore motivates his readers to lead a virtuous life where social justice is inevitable.
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.
