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Unit 18: Where the Mind is Without Fear by Tagore

Where all countrymen must come out the aged-old world of people who have lost the vision Notes
of one humanity by the narrow loyalties of caste creed and religion. Prejudice and superstitious
which narrow the mind and divide people would be a thing of the past. Where the words of
truth come out from the depths of the heart and are spoken out courageously in the open for
the world to hear. People would work for perfections in the clear light of reason leaving aside
all superstitious ritual.

Where everyone is free to toil and work hard for anything they desire either for their own or
for the good of the nation. Everyone is encouraged to strive tirelessly till they attain full
satisfaction in reaching their goals and perfection.
Where blind superstitious habits of thought and action have not put out the light of reason.
Where people’s mind should not dwell in the mistakes of the past nor be possessed by it. On
the other hand they should be led by the power of reasoning to be focused on the future by
applying scientific thought and action. Tagore’s only prayer to the Supreme Ultimate is leading
the nation to such an ideal state of heaven.0 It is only by the universality of outlook and an
abiding passion for the realization of great human ideals that India will achieve her true
freedom. This way alone she will realize her destiny.

Task What was the Tagore’s dream about India.

18.1 Short Question and Answer

Write the summary of ‘Where The Mind Is Without Fear’,

The poem describes Tagore’s vision of how his country could offer a heavenly experience to
it’s citizens, or what a free country should look like. In his view, it would be a country where,
• people can express their views freely without fear of repercussions,

• people share and spread knowledge freely,
• people are open minded and willing to listen to each other’s perspectives,

• people are true to each other, value their integrity, and honest in their dealings,
• people work hard and strive for perfection in quality,
• people are driven by reasoning and scientific temper, instead of fallacies, hypocricies, or
ideologies.
• people are open to change and don’t succumb to inertia or continue age-old orthodox
customs and practices that do not meaningfully apply anymore,
• people are progressive, think of bigger goals and accomplish them, constantly raising
the bar.
When such a vision is accomplished, such a country would be free, and a heaven to live in.
Easily said, than done? Not quite, there are countries that have woken up to much of Tagore’s
vision. Ironically, India hasn’t woken up yet, but not in deep slumber either—let’s hope the
dawn is soon.

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