Nation and Nationalism: Swami Vivekananda, Rabindranath Tagore and Gandhi

In this post, notes of “Unit 2: Nation and Nationalism: Swami Vivekananda, Rabindranath Tagore and Gandhi” from “DSC 14: Modern Indian Political Thought” are given which is helpful for the students doing graduation this year.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction to Nation and Nationalism

Definition and Scope

A nation is a group of people who share a common identity, culture, language, and history, usually tied to a specific area.

Nationalism is a movement that supports the interests of a nation, often pushing for self-rule or political independence.
In India, nationalism grew as a response to British rule and helped unite people for independence.

Evolution of the Concepts in India

Before British rule, India was divided into many regions, and people’s identities were based more on local areas, languages, and religions than on a national identity.
Nationalism in India began to develop in the late 1800s and early 1900s, influenced by Western ideas and local traditions.
Leaders like Swami Vivekananda, Rabindranath Tagore, and Mahatma Gandhi had different views on nationalism, focusing on spiritual, cultural, and moral aspects.

The Indian National Congress (INC) and other nationalist groups played a big role in uniting people for independence.

Importance in Indian Political Thought

Indian nationalism was closely tied to social and cultural revival and the fight against colonial rule.

Unlike Western nationalism, which often focused on state power and military strength, Indian nationalism included spiritual and moral beliefs.
Thinkers like Vivekananda saw nationalism as a way to achieve spiritual growth, Tagore criticized aggressive nationalism, and Gandhi promoted nationalism based on truth and non-violence.
The nationalist movement led to India’s independence in 1947 and helped shape the country’s democratic and secular values.

2. Swami Vivekananda

Early Life and Influences

Swami Vivekananda was born as Narendranath Datta on January 12, 1863, in Kolkata. His father’s logical thinking and his mother’s spiritual beliefs greatly influenced him.
He learned about Western ideas but was more interested in spiritual growth, which led him to his teacher Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, who shaped his spiritual views.

The Vedanta philosophy, Bhagavad Gita, and Upanishads were key in shaping his thoughts about India and its future.

Vision of India and Nationalism

Vivekananda believed India could improve by focusing on spirituality and cultural pride, rather than blindly copying the West.

He emphasized the need for strength, self-confidence, and unity for national progress.
He viewed nationalism as spiritual nationalism, where India’s identity was rooted in its religious and philosophical traditions.
He urged young people to help build the nation, promoting education, self-reliance, and service to others as essential for a strong India.

Role in the Indian Renaissance

Played a crucial role in reviving Hindu philosophy, removing superstitions, and making it relevant for modern India.
Helped awaken national pride, stressing that India must rediscover its cultural strength to resist British rule.

Inspired Indians, especially the youth, to develop self-respect and pride in their heritage.
Advocated for social reform, supporting women’s education, ending caste discrimination, and uplifting the poor.

Key Speeches and Writings

Speech at the Parliament of the World’s Religions (Chicago, 1893) – Introduced Hindu philosophy to the West and promoted religious tolerance.
Lectures from Colombo to Almora – Called for national awareness, unity, and applying Vedanta in daily life.
Raja Yoga & Karma Yoga – Writings that inspired youth to practice discipline and selfless service.

Letters to His Disciples and Friends – Encouraged service to humanity as the highest form of worship.

Impact on Indian Society and Politics

Inspired freedom fighters like Subhas Chandra Bose, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, and Aurobindo Ghosh with his message of national awakening.

Helped lay the foundation for modern Hindu nationalism while opposing extreme religious beliefs.
His teachings led to the creation of the Ramakrishna Mission, which continues to work in education, healthcare, and social service.
His focus on spirituality, education, and self-reliance continues to influence India’s culture and politics today.

3. Rabindranath Tagore

Early Life and Writing

Tagore was born on May 7, 1861, in Kolkata to a modern Bengali family. His father, Debendranath Tagore, was a leader of a spiritual group that shaped his beliefs.
He was talented in many areas—poetry, novels, plays, philosophy, painting, and music—and made significant contributions to Bengali literature.

His book of poems, “Gitanjali,” won him the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1913, making him the first non-European to receive the award.
He wrote India’s national anthem, “Jana Gana Mana,” and inspired Bangladesh’s anthem, “Amar Sonar Bangla.”
He founded Visva-Bharati University in Santiniketan to promote a blend of Eastern and Western education.

Views on Nationalism

Tagore was different from many of his contemporaries, as he criticized aggressive nationalism, seeing it as a cause of division and conflict.
He believed nationalism was a Western concept that often prioritized the state over individuals and culture.

He was disturbed by the negative consequences of nationalism, especially after witnessing colonial oppression and World War I.
In his essays in “Nationalism” (1917), he argued that true patriotism should not lead to hatred for others.
He warned that excessive nationalism creates divides among people, going against the Indian belief in Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (“the world is one family”).

Vision of Global Unity

Tagore promoted internationalism and human unity, believing all people are spiritually and culturally connected.
His idea of “Visva-Bharati” (World University) was to encourage learning and cultural exchange.

He was influenced by Upanishadic principles, which emphasize unity, harmony, and self-growth.
He believed education should cultivate global humanity, rather than serve nationalist or political goals.
He opposed British rule but also warned against rigid national identities, advocating freedom from colonial powers and cultural restrictions.

Important Works and Ideas

“Gitanjali” (1910) – A collection of spiritual poems about the search for truth and divine love.
“Nationalism” (1917) – A critique of extreme nationalism and a call for global peace and unity.

“Ghare Baire” (The Home and the World, 1916) – A novel exploring the conflict between nationalism and personal freedom.
“Jana Gana Mana” – India’s national anthem, emphasizing unity and inclusivity.
“Visva-Bharati University” – His educational institution, promoting cultural exchange and a broad global perspective.

Impact on Indian Nationalism and Beyond

Though critical of nationalism, Tagore supported India’s independence movement and strongly opposed British rule, especially after the Jallianwala Bagh massacre (1919). He renounced his knighthood in protest against British atrocities.
His ideas influenced Mahatma Gandhi, leading to meaningful discussions. Tagore called Gandhi “Mahatma,” while Gandhi called him “Gurudev.”

He inspired global thinkers like Albert Einstein, W.B. Yeats, and Romain Rolland, spreading his message of humanism and universal brotherhood.
His concept of inclusive nationalism helped shape post-independence India’s values of diversity and secularism.

4. Mahatma Gandhi

Early Life and Experiences

Born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, Gujarat, in a Hindu family.
Studied law in London and then went to South Africa (1893), where he experienced racism.
Created the idea of Satyagraha (non-violent resistance) in South Africa, which was crucial to his beliefs.

Returned to India in 1915 and became a key leader in the fight for freedom.

Philosophy of Non-Violent Nationalism

Promoted Ahimsa (non-violence) and Satyagraha (truth-force) to oppose British rule.

Believed nationalism should be based on morals and ethics, not just politics.
Advocated for Swadeshi (self-reliance), Khadi (handmade cloth), and self-sufficient villages to strengthen India’s economy.
Opposed Western materialism, promoting village self-governance (Gram Swaraj).

Supported Sarvodaya (welfare for all) over majority rule, aiming for a harmonious society.

Role in the Indian Independence Movement

Champaran Satyagraha (1917) – First major movement for indigo farmers’ rights.

Kheda Satyagraha (1918) – Fought for tax relief for farmers suffering from famine.
Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922) – Encouraged the boycott of British goods and institutions.
Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-1934) – Led the Dandi March (Salt Satyagraha, 1930) against British salt laws.

Quit India Movement (1942) – Called for British withdrawal from India, leading to mass protests and arrests.
Played a crucial role in negotiating independence but was deeply saddened by the Partition (1947).

Key Writings and Speeches

Hind Swaraj (1909) – Critique of modern civilization and a call for self-rule based on moral values.
My Experiments with Truth (Autobiography, 1927) – A personal reflection on his life and beliefs.
Speech on Non-Violence (1942) – Emphasized the power of Ahimsa in the freedom struggle.

Letters to the British Government – Advocated for peaceful negotiations instead of violent resistance.

Impact on Indian Politics and Society

Played the biggest role in India’s independence through non-violent resistance.

His ideas influenced India’s Constitution, shaping its values of secularism, democracy, and social justice.
Inspired civil rights movements worldwide, including Martin Luther King Jr. (USA), Nelson Mandela (South Africa), and Lech Wałęsa (Poland).
Fought for social equality, the abolition of untouchability, and women’s rights.

Assassinated in 1948 by Nathuram Godse, but his teachings continue to influence Indian politics and ethics.

Conclusion

Swami Vivekananda, Rabindranath Tagore, and Mahatma Gandhi had different but connected views on nationalism.

Vivekananda believed in spiritual nationalism as the path to India’s greatness.
Tagore warned against aggressive nationalism, advocating for universal humanism.
Gandhi emphasized non-violent nationalism, stressing self-rule, morality, and social justice.

Together, their ideas shaped modern Indian political thought, influencing both India’s freedom struggle and its post-independence values.

5. Comparison of Ideas

Shared Ideas and Differences

Aspect	Swami Vivekananda	Rabindranath Tagore	Mahatma Gandhi
View on Nationalism	Believed in spiritual nationalism – India’s strength comes from its spiritual and cultural values. Encouraged self-confidence and pride.	Was against nationalism, worried it could cause war and violence. Supported human unity.	Believed in moral nationalism based on truth, non-violence, and self-rule. Connected nationalism to social fairness.
Ideas on Freedom	Focused on awakening the Indian mind instead of direct political action.	Criticized narrow nationalism, liked cultural sharing and global unity.	Led large movements like Non-Cooperation, Civil Disobedience, and Quit India.
View on Western Influence	Liked science and technology, but stressed India’s spiritual strength.	Wanted a mix of Eastern and Western ideas, but criticized the mechanical nature of Western nationalism.	Rejected Western materialism, encouraged self-reliance and a simple lifestyle.
Social Change	Called for education, women’s rights, and ending caste discrimination. Focused on empowering youth.	Thought education could change society. Supported freedom of thought and creativity.	Worked to end untouchability, support women’s rights, improve rural life, and promote economic fairness.
Religion and Spirituality	Viewed Hinduism and Vedanta as important but included other religions.	Believed in spiritual unity beyond religions, valued art and literature for societal growth.	Practiced harmony among religions, thought religion should promote love and service.

Influences on Their Ideas

Swami Vivekananda was influenced by Vedanta philosophy and India’s colonial past, highlighting the need for a spiritual awakening.
Rabindranath Tagore lived in a time of rising nationalism and wars, making him cautious about nationalism’s negative effects. His thoughts were shaped by the Bengal Renaissance and global changes.
Mahatma Gandhi faced direct conflict with British rule, shaping his views on non-violence and self-rule. His experiences with racism in South Africa also influenced his fight for equality.

Contribution to Indian Identity

Vivekananda stressed national pride and cultural revival as key to a strong nation.
Tagore encouraged a form of nationalism that was inclusive and global, ensuring that Indian identity was not rigid or intolerant.

Gandhi redefined nationalism as self-rule based on ethics, making non-violence and truth central to India’s struggle for independence.

Importance of Their Ideas Today

Vivekananda’s focus on education and youth empowerment is relevant in today’s efforts for cultural growth and global leadership.

Tagore’s concerns about extreme nationalism and his push for global peace are important in a world facing rising conflicts.
Gandhi’s ideas of non-violence and social justice are essential for tackling issues like poverty, caste discrimination, and community harmony in modern India.

6. Conclusion

Main Points

Swami Vivekananda viewed nationalism as a spiritual awakening, calling for self-confidence and cultural strength.

Rabindranath Tagore was doubtful about nationalism, believing in human unity and cultural harmony.
Mahatma Gandhi made nationalism a moral struggle, using non-violence and self-rule for independence.
Despite their different views, all three emphasized the need for unity, self-reliance, and moral values in building a nation.

Relevance of Their Ideas Today

In today’s India, where nationalism is a key topic, Tagore’s warnings about aggressive nationalism and Vivekananda’s call for spiritual strength remain significant.
Gandhi’s ideas of non-violence and social justice are crucial for addressing issues like religious intolerance and economic inequality.

As India becomes a global power, Tagore’s vision of cultural sharing, Vivekananda’s focus on education, and Gandhi’s call for ethical leadership provide valuable guidance.

Legacy of Vivekananda, Tagore, and Gandhi in Modern India

Vivekananda’s teachings inspire youth movements and educational reforms. His ideas are promoted through organizations like the Ramakrishna Mission.

Tagore’s philosophy continues through institutions like Visva-Bharati University and the promotion of literature and global dialogue.
Gandhi’s principles influence India’s democratic and social justice efforts, inspiring non-violent movements worldwide (e.g., Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela).

Final Thought

Though they had different views on nationalism, Vivekananda, Tagore, and Gandhi shared a common vision for a self-reliant, culturally rich, and morally strong India. Their ideas continue to shape India’s identity and growth today.