When Tagore and Gandhi Met For The First Time: The Story of Their Friendship, Despite Disagreements

Context

This editorial is based on the news “When Gandhi first met Tagore: The story of their friendship, despite disagreements” which was published in the Indian Express. Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore shared an enduring friendship that lasted from 1914-15 till the latter’s demise in 1941.

Meeting of Tagore and Gandhi

• First Meeting: In West Bengal’s Santiniketan on March 6, 1915 after Gandhi’s return from South Africa. 
• Meeting arranged by: C F Andrews, a British social reformer and a common friend. 
• Tagore’s success: 
  • Nobel Prize in Literature:  Tagore had won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913. 

• • He was the first Non-European to win the Nobel prize and was all the rage in the West.
  • However, Gandhi was still to become the leader he would eventually be.
• Tagore was acquainted with Gandhi: In 1901, Gandhi met Tagore’s elder brother Jyotirindranath, and an article authored by Gandhi about the encounter was published in the Tagore family journal Bharati.

Similarities Between Tagore and Gandhi

• Non-violence: Both Tagore and Gandhi advocated for non-violent resistance against British colonial rule and believed in the power of peaceful protest.
• Spirituality: Tagore and Gandhi were deeply spiritual and drew inspiration from Indian philosophical traditions, emphasising the importance of inner peace and self-realisation.
• Education: Both leaders stressed the significance of education in the development of individuals and society, although their approaches to education differed in the following ways: 
  • Practical vs. Aesthetic: Gandhi emphasised practical self-reliance through manual labour, while Tagore’s approach was more aesthetic, emphasising artistic and creative expression.
  • Moral Education vs. Holistic Growth: Gandhi emphasised moral and ethical education as the core of his educational philosophy, while Tagore focused on holistic development, Including intellectual, physical, and spiritual growth, with a strong emphasis on creativity.
  • National vs. International: Gandhi’s vision of education was deeply nationalistic, aiming to empower Indians within their own cultural and social context. Tagore, while also valuing Indian culture, sought to Integrate Eastern and Western philosophies, aiming at fostering global citizenship.
• Critique of Western civilization: Tagore and Gandhi were critical of the materialistic and industrialised nature of Western civilization, believing that it had a dehumanising effect on individuals and societies.

Differences Between Tagore and Gandhi

• Nationalism: While Gandhi was a strong proponent of Indian nationalism and the idea of a united India, Tagore was more cautious about nationalism, believing that it could lead to exclusion and division.
• Approach to independence: Gandhi actively participated in political movements and led mass protests against British rule, whereas Tagore focused more on cultural and intellectual awakening as a means of achieving independence.
• Views on modernization: Tagore was more open to the idea of modernization and believed that India could benefit from selectively adopting Western ideas and technologies. Gandhi was more critical of modernization and advocated for a return to traditional Indian ways of life.
• International outlook: Tagore had a more global perspective and believed in the idea of universal humanism, emphasising the interconnectedness of all people. Gandhi, while also having a global influence, focused more on the specific context of India’s struggle for independence.

Conclusion

Nevertheless, Gandhi and Tagore maintained a profound respect for each other despite their differences on public issues. 

• Tagore referred to Gandhi as “Mahatma” (Great Soul) as early as 1915. Meanwhile, Gandhi gave the salutation of “Gurudev” (Teacher) to Tagore.

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