Rabindranath Tagore, the great poet, philosopher, and Nobel laureate, had a profound and visionary philosophy of education that continues to inspire schools and educators across India and the world. His educational ideals were rooted in the belief that education should be joyful, holistic, and in harmony with nature and the human spirit.
Key Principles of Tagore’s Educational Philosophy
1. Education Through Freedom
Tagore believed that true education must allow the child to grow in freedom. He opposed rigid and authoritarian systems that suppress creativity and natural curiosity. He emphasized that education should help children explore, express, and evolve in an open and caring environment.
2. Learning in Harmony with Nature
Tagore believed that true education must allow the child to grow in freedom. He opposed rigid and authoritarian systems that suppress creativity and natural curiosity. He emphasized that education should help children explore, express, and evolve in an open and caring environment.
3. Emphasis on the Arts
Tagore strongly advocated for the integration of music, dance, painting, and literature into everyday learning. He believed the arts were essential to developing a child’s emotional and aesthetic sensibilities, and they nurtured a more complete and compassionate human being.
4. Education of the Whole Person
Tagore’s approach was not just about intellectual development but about nurturing the mind, body, and soul. He wanted education to cultivate moral values, empathy, creativity, and a global sense of humanity.
5. Global Outlook with Indian Roots
While deeply rooted in Indian culture and traditions, Tagore believed in universalism. He envisioned an education that prepared students to understand and respect other cultures, making them citizens of the world.
6. Learning by Doing
He promoted experiential learning—learning by doing, observing, creating, and exploring—rather than rote memorization. This approach encouraged independent thinking and problem-solving skills.
At Shree Narayana Higher Secondary School, we draw inspiration from Rabindranath Tagore’s timeless educational ideals. We believe that a child’s natural curiosity, creativity, and sense of wonder should be nurtured through meaningful experiences, a close connection to nature, and a deep respect for culture and values.