Rabindranath Tagore’s Spiritual Humanism And its Educational Relevance

Abstract

Rabindranath Tagore, a luminary of Indian literature and philosophy, was not only a poet and novelist but also a profound thinker whose ideas on spirituality and humanism have left an indelible mark on global thought. His concept of spiritual humanism, which emphasizes the unity of the divine and the human, offers a unique perspective on education. This paper explores Tagore's spiritual humanism, examining its philosophical foundations, its critique of mechanistic education, and its emphasis on holistic development. By analyzing his essays, speeches, and educational experiments at Santiniketan, the paper highlights the relevance of Tagore's ideas in contemporary educational practices, marked by increasing standardization and commercialization. The study employs a qualitative methodology, drawing from primary texts and secondary literature to construct a comprehensive understanding of Tagore's educational philosophy. The paper concludes that Tagore's vision of a spiritually enriched, humanistic education offers valuable insights for addressing modern educational challenges.