Do you like the poem “Where the mind is without fear” by Rabindra Nath Tagore? Why?
Yes, I like Tagore’s poem ‘Where the Mind is Without Fear’. I like the poem for its theme as well as its structure. Though it is not lyrical and written in free verse, it’s in a single-sentence structure and in the form of a prayer to the Almighty. The poem is also rich in its use of metaphors.
Thematically, the poem is a prayer to the God to lift the country to such a state where people would be fearless, knowledgeable, logical, united, truthful, hard-working and broad-minded to enjoy their freedom at its best.
The poem was written in the first half of the twentieth century when India was under the British rule. The piece was the poet’s attempt to motivate his countrymen to uplift their mindset to a positive and rational one so that they can gain not only political freedom, but also the spiritual freedom. Needless to say, this small piece of verse has inspired many people not only in India, but throughout the world. And I haven’t been an exception either.
Yes, I like the poem.
Just as an addition I would like to say that none who is knowledgeable (not merely educated) can dislike the poem.
Arguments:
In the poem, the great Tagore clearly means (though implicitly) that God and true knowledge is the same thing which was realized by humankind since the beginning of creation.
Bhagwad Geeta states – Nothing is more purifying than knowledge.
Rig Veda states: Education is the source of all illumination
Swami Vivekananda states: Education is the manifestation of the perfection already in man.
Aristotle states: Education is the creation of a sound mind in the sound body.
So on and so forth…
Conclusion:
At present times of increasing literacy worldwide it is the duty of all the knowledgeable humans present globally to make an endeavour to spread knowledge (not education) as it would be same as finding God himself (which Tagore referred to as father in this poem).
Bottomline:
If education is an orange, knowledge is the orange juice. Thus, at present day, every educated person has an orange at his hand but only the knowledgeable is able to squeeze out the juice out of it.
Yes , I like the poem . The poem is dedicated to God in which the poet prays for his country as well as the entire world that their should be an atmosphere of fearlessness in the world . Knowledge should be free without any kind of discrimination and be free from prejudice. The countrymen should not be divided over pretty issues and everyone should be truthful.