Page 120 - DENG104_ELECTIVE_ENGLISH_I

Unit 11: Where the Mind is Without Fear By Rabindranath Tagore

ought to be free from prejudices. The world should not become fragmented through internal Notes
strives and feuds. The mental make-up should be free from the superstitious, narrow and
gloomy practices. The poet, finally, conceives of a situation, where the mind is guided by the
Divine One to awaken ourselves from the errors of our commitments.

Self Assessment

1. What is meant by “mind is without fear and head is held high”. Tick the correct answer.
(i) to be fearless and self respecting
(ii) to be proud of one’s high position.
(iii) to stand straight and be carefree.

2. What does the poet mean by “where knowledge is free”?
3. The ‘domestic walls’ are usually associated with safety, comfort and love. Are these the
feelings evoked by the phrase ‘narrow domestic walls’? If not, choose the correct answer
from the ones given below:
(i) small houses which make us feel cramped.
(ii) ideas which are petty and narrow-minded.

(iii) a house divided into rooms by walls.

11.6 Summary

• This poem in this selection has been taken from his English ‘Gitanjali’. Tagore had a
very deep religious caste of mind and profound humanism. He was both a patriot and
an internationalist. In the poem, ‘Where The Mind Is Without Fear’, Tagore sketches a
moving picture of the nation he would like India to be, where everyone within the fold
of the brotherhood is free to hold up one’s head high and one’s voice to be heard
without having any tension of fear of oppression or forced compulsion. Where the
knowledge is not restricted by narrow ideas and loyalties. The British rule had robbed
India of its pride and dignity by reducing it to a subject nation.
• The India of Tagore’s dream is a country where her people hold their heads high with
their pride in knowledge and strength born of that knowledge. Where all countrymen
must come out the aged-old world of people who have lost the vision 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. 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.

LOVELY PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY 115