Question

Summary of the poem Where the Mind is Without Fear.

Answer 1

Hint: The poem 'Where the Mind is Without Fear' was included in the book Naibedya. The poem is a plea to God to keep the country safe from wickedness. Tagore wrote the poem while India was still under British rule and people were excitedly anticipating their independence. It is a prayer to the Almighty for a nation free of all manipulation and corruption. The poet's excellent and perfect nature is reflected in this poem.

Complete answer:
In this poem, the poet asks God to provide his country with the freedom of thought and expression that leads to perfection, free from the shackles of superstitions and the bonds of societal ills.

The poet prays to God, requesting that his nation be free of persecution and that each individual be allowed to raise his head high. There should be no dread in the environment. The country should be a place where information is accessible to everyone, regardless of caste, gender, or religion, and is provided free of charge.

He dreams of a country that is not "broken up into fragments" by biases and beliefs, but rather one in which everyone is unified. He envisions a country where people are honest and speak from the depths of their emotions. He aspires to live in a country where everyone is free to toil and work hard for anything they choose, whether for personal gain or for the sake of the country.

Everyone is urged to work relentlessly until they achieve complete satisfaction and excellence in achieving their goals.

The poet prays to God for Indians to think and behave in a rational and progressive manner. He wants the power of reason to rule his country's men's thoughts. He doesn't want the 'stream of reason' to be lost in the shuffle of old rituals and traditions.

It should be a country where the light of reason has not been extinguished by mindless superstitious habits of thinking and conduct. Where people's minds should not dwell on or be obsessed by their mistakes in the past. They should, on the other hand, be guided by the faculty of thinking to be future-oriented by using logical thought and conduct.

He wants God to lead the country forward into the freedom of a widened thinking and attitude. He asks ‘The Father' to awaken his country to such a ‘freedom heaven.' India would only be able to achieve full independence if she has a worldwide vision and a burning desire to realise great human aspirations. Only in this manner will she be able to fulfil her destiny.

Note: Tagore is a devout believer in God. He prays to God with all his heart that he would direct his compatriots to work hard, tell the truth, and approach things in a rational and forward manner. Rabindranath Tagore wishes for peace and prosperity for his nation and people. He adores his homeland and wants its prosperity.