Relevance of Tagore’s Thought of Child Education to Current Educational Policy in Bangladesh

An Analysis

Abstract

Rabindranath Tagore presented a comprehensive model of
Education, which can be called an alternative education plan to the traditional
education system for the Indian subcontinent. The basis of his educational
philosophy is Indian Philosophy, Religion, and Art. To understand his
educational philosophy, the metaphysical aspect of his concept of Universal
Man first be understood. The idea of this Universal Man should be achieved in
the individual by harmony between the universal ideas of society, culture, and
state. Tagore spoke of realizing man's inner quality through Education and
connecting Education with all experiences. Thus the individual can connect
with the Universal through Education. The human development effort is a
prominent feature of his philosophy of Education, as he wanted to turn people
into human resources through Education. The origin of Tagore's rural education
program centered on His concept of child education. He built his institution in a
lush green environment of the countryside for the normal mental development
of children. Considering Education as an essential part of life, stimulating the
child with the exercise of senses, nature observation, and constructive activities
was the main idea of Tagore's idea of child education. His method strongly
emphasized the positive and innovative parts of education and was synthetic for
ensuring that children's personalities were properly integrated. So, this paper
will consider the question ‘why Tagore’s thought of child education policy is
relevant for the Bangladeshi education policy making’ to argue that, Tagore's
educational philosophy paved the way for children to become free adults, which
is still relevant today. It will also argue that children learn to recognize nature
through recreational activities when they bond with nature in an open setting.
Through joyful learning, they can explore a new universe. The current
educational system of Bangladesh can be saved from anarchy and deterioration
by addressing insights of pioneers like Rabindranath's initiatives in child
education.