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I feel energised by reading the Gandhi-Tagore debates. Sabyasachi Bhattacharya's compilation of their letters to each other between 1915 & 1941 is a wonderful read. https://www.mkgandhi.org/ebks/the-mahatma-and-the-poet.pdf #thread #tagore
The content of the debate is amazing and the style of the debate, even more so. Both Gandhi and Tagore primarily rely on Indian philosophies to make their cases. No wonder, Nehru had this to say:
Tagore's is a humanist, liberal perspective and Gandhi comes in from a nationalist, traditionalist, and a changemaker's perspective. In hindsight, in some debates, the poet appears more practical than the Mahatma while on some subjects, Gandhi's is the more practical viewpoint.
Both express fundamental disagreements in an exemplary manner: they respect and value each other's opinions. Tagore came under attack from Gandhi's bhakts for his opposition to Charkha but Gandhi has nothing but respect and admiration for the poet.
The trust they have in each other is amazing. See this letter for example. Tagore writes to Gandhi to confirm if he made a statement and sends his rejoinder to him. In case Gandhi did say what was reported in the press, he asks Gandhi to publish Tagore's scathing reply. Amazing.
And then there's this anecdote. Respect!
Tagore, Ambedkar, Jinnah — Gandhi had many ideological adversaries but his conduct with all of them was immensely well-mannered even in disagreement, esp. because the latter two had some sharp things to say to him. This is truly something only a mahatma can do.
This anecdote about Gandhi the master persuader will stay with me for some time.
Coming to the content. #1 - Freedom. Tagore's view was that political freedom is not the end. Swaraj is deeply personal as well. Blindly obeying someone is also bondage. The fight for freedom must also be a moral one. India should fight for freedom of the entire humanity.
To which, Gandhi said that 'an India prostrate at the feet of Europe can give no hope to humanity. An India awakened and free has a message of peace and goodwill to the world.' Political freedom has to come first was his view.
Nationalism, charkha, Role of reason, non-cooperation, role of the state — are some other topics on which the two share their differing views openly. I've compiled the main strands in this mind map https://coggle.it/diagram/XyLMI0XhP14MgGTP/t/tagore-gandhi-debates
We also have a @puliyabaazi podcast episode on this theme where @saurabhchandra & I discuss the debates. https://twitter.com/puliyabaazi/status/1291331157263441920
Again, the entire compilation by Sabyasachi Bhattacharya is available as a PDF here: https://www.mkgandhi.org/ebks/the-mahatma-and-the-poet.pdf | Do read, it is an inspiring conversation in today's polarised times.
Finally, I'll end with my favourite quotes from the debate. This one by Gandhi.
Tagore on the cult of the charka
Ending this thread with these lines by Tagore that are especially relevant today. 'India has ever declared that Unity is Truth, and separateness is maya.'
