FOUNDATION OF EDUCATION :: INDIAN THINKERS ON EDUCATION - PART I

 RABINDRANATH TAGORE:

Rabindranath Tagore was a renowned poet, writer, painter, social reformer and a philosopher etc. He was born on 6 May, 1861 in Bengal. He translated his epic "Gitanjali" for which, he got worldwide recognition. For this he was awarded Nobel Prize in 1913. He established the famous 'Viswabharathi University' on 22 September, 1921. It was a place for the whole world to learn Indian literature, art and philosophy. He always stresses on the synthesis of East and West. This was the main aim of his university. He believed a lot on the personal or own experiences, which help us in evaluating and learning. He believed on the interrelationship of God, human and nature. He stressed upon "self" of a human, which needs freedom and which has lot of power and energy to explore. He was not educated from a renowned university rather believed in and has undergone self-study. He believed in God and Maya. He believed on the fact that moral is important for an individual to be happy. He considered Man as the highest creation of God. His views about aesthetics is, beauty and ugliness are two aspects. Ugliness cannot be separated from art. He believed in Naturalism, Humanism, Idealism and Internationalism. 

 

 PHILOSOPHY: 

1. A child should be free from all kinds of compulsions and restrictions. He should enjoy freedom.
2. Education should be according to the realities of life.
3. To develop the child physically by providing various physical activities such as swimming, diving, climbing, various games and sports.
4. To promote mental development by providing more and more activities and experiences in the open field where nature teaches more than books.
5. To promote the moral and spiritual development of the child through self-discipline, tolerance, courtesy and inner freedom.
6. To develop an international attitude in children.
7. He believes that "Teaching while walking is the best methods of education".  
8. He emphasizes activity method because it activates the mind and body. Hence, he made the learning of some handicrafts compulsory at "Viswabharathi".
9. He considers the role of teacher to be very important. They were personified as lamp, as they help in providing a conducive environment to the child. In his works, he appeal teachers to motivate the child.
10. He believes in the fact that curriculum should be such developed that it helps the individual physically, mentally, morally, socially and spiritually to the utmost limit.