Question.
What were the differences between Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore in their approach towards education and nationalism?
(UPSC 2023 General Studies Paper 1 (Main) Exam, Answer in 150 words)
Answer.
Mahatma Gandhi ( 1869 to 1948) and Rabindranath Tagore (1861 to 1941), were both prominent persons in India's history. Both had prominent roles in India's struggle for independence, however, they differed in their approaches towards education and nationalism ( feeling of love or pride for your own country).
Difference between Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore in approach to education:
Gandhi emphasized practical education and moral development based on local needs and Indian culture while Rabindranath Tagore emphasized a liberal and holistic approach to education and emphasized creativity, arts, and a harmonious blend of Eastern and Western philosophies.
Mahatma Gandhi advocated for education that connected with the daily lives of people, promoting self-sufficiency, and vocational skills whereas Rabindranath Tagore advocated the importance of cultivating the mind and spirit through a broader education system that fostered creativity and critical thinking.
Mahatma Gandhi's approaches to education were less concerned with global trends while Rabindranath Tagore advocated education that enriches one's understanding of the world.
Mahatma Gandhi focused on Basic education based on vernacular language while Rabindranath Tagore focused on the use of the English language to understand the world and founded the Shantiniketan, a learning institution.
Difference between Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore in approach to Nationalism:
Mahatma Gandhi strong supporter of the nationalist movements and advocated overcoming regional and communal divides while Rabindranath Tagore initially supported the nationalist movement, however, later he did not support narrow nationalism, he emphasized a more cosmopolitan and universalistic ( Universal brotherhood).
Mahatma Gandhi emphasized nonviolent resistance or "Satyagraha", and civil disobedience way of a nationalist movement while Rabindranath Tagore criticized the aggressive nationalist movements, and advocated universal values and advocating for a world where diverse cultures coexist.
In conclusion, Mahatma Gandhi's approach to education was practical and focused on moral values, while Rabindranath Tagore's approach to education was more liberal and idealistic.
In terms of Nationalism, Mahatma Gandhi was a strong advocator of nationalism based on nonviolent resistance while Rabindranath Tagore was critical of narrow nationalism and advocated the universal brotherhood and coexistence of diverse cultures.
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