Rabindranath Tagore’s views on nationalism were nuanced and distinct from the predominant political nationalism of his time. Tagore believed that nationalism should be rooted in spiritual and humanistic values rather than narrow political interests. He emphasized the importance of moral principles such as truth, compassion, and justice in shaping a nation’s identity and destiny. Rabindranath Tagore’s vision of nationalism during the Indian freedom struggle was shaped by several key principles:

1. Against of Western model of independence: Tagore said that India’s problems were social and cultural and not political. He goes on and show why India is different from the western countries and therefore, argued that western model of Independence cannot work for India, as Europeans had their racial unity from the beginning.
2. Caste System : Tagore was critical of the caste system in India. He says nationalists first address the caste issue. He argues what is the purpose of political freedom when the elites in society are exploiting the lower classes, especially the untouchables.
3. Separatism : Tagore viewed that nationalism fosters separatism. He rejected the idea of nation-state and believed in the great federation of man.
4. Education and Enlightenment: Tagore believed in the transformative power of education in fostering enlightened citizens who could contribute positively to society. He established educational institutions like Visva-Bharati to promote a holistic education that combined intellectual growth with spiritual and emotional development.

Rabindranath warns the people that no nation should project itself in terms of mine and thine. Instead of this, one should feel his existence in the world as a member of one divine nation.