VIEWPOINT OF NEP 2020 & EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY OF RABINDRANATH TAGORE ON THE TEACHING - LEARNING SYSTEM OF SOCIETY

Education, in its most profound sense, is not the passive absorption of information but the unfolding of human potential. Rabindranath Tagore redefined learning as a liberating and organic experience, challenging the rigid structures of conventional schooling. He envisioned an education that transcended textbooks and classrooms, one that flourished in the embrace of nature, creativity, and self-expression. At Santiniketan, his experimental institution, students learned not through rote memorization but through exploration, dialogue, and artistic engagement, fostering a harmonious blend of intellect and intuition. Tagore’s philosophy championed holistic development, where the mind, heart, and soul grew in unison. He rejected the mechanization of education, advocating instead for an environment that nurtured curiosity and emotional intelligence. Unlike modern systems that emphasize standardized testing and academic competition, his approach valued imagination, cultural awareness, and experiential wisdom. He believed that education should not be confined within rigid syllabi but should evolve like life itself—dynamic, interconnected, and deeply personal. In the digital era, where education is often reduced to deadlines, scores, and predefined outcomes, Tagore’s vision offers a transformative alternative. His ideals resonate with contemporary educational innovations that prioritize interdisciplinary learning, student autonomy, and well-being. However, challenges such as institutional rigidity, examination-centric evaluation, and lack of creative freedom hinder the full realization of his model. This study critically examines the relevance of Tagore’s educational philosophy in today’s globalized and technology-driven world, exploring how its principles can inspire a shift toward more meaningful and inclusive learning systems. By reimagining education through Tagore’s lens, we rediscover its true purpose—not as a race toward credentials but as an enriching voyage of knowledge, self-discovery, and artistic expression. His legacy invites us to embrace an education that is not dictated by conformity but guided by curiosity, wonder, and the joy of learning itself.