TAGORE’S TAKE ON NATIONALISM

Nationalism, as a concept refers to the desire of people sharing the same race, culture and ethnicity to form an independent country, which in their love-filled perception, is better than the others. Tagore, however, disagreed with this limited definition of nationalism and the perception of the country and state being the biggest of all. In his view, there exists something bigger than this politically limited perception, that is, humanity.

Tagore said that nationalism should be spiritual, humane and global rather than being limited to politics and independence. He was a supporter of the Indian independence movement, but believed that the beauty of India lies in its cultural diversity and humanity which is so much better than the westernised notion of nationalism. He believed that following the West, India was moving on a path which was too materialistic, and in which the state was too all-encompassing.

He believed that while striving for independence, one must not lose the basic essence of one’s culture, the idea of “Vasudev Kutumbhakambh”, one’s individuality and we, as a country, should not give in to such a limited concept of colonial mindset, economic oppression and materialism. Nationalism should be moral, humane, ethical, spiritual and global, while doing good for our country’s independence. The western concept of nationalism is linked to aggression and violence, while our roots teach us unity, respect, culture, ethics and humanity, alongside brotherhood.

This debate also showed the stark contrast in Gandhian nationalism, which was more political, isolated, self-sufficient and materialistic in terms of economic views and Tagore’s nationalism, which was more spiritual, cultural, universal and indulgent.