Assertion (A) : Tagore pleaded for bringing the child into direct contact with nature.
Reason (B) : Such a contact will make the child friendly with the real world.
Codes:

Correct option is B

Rabindranath Tagore, a philosopher and educator, founded the "Naturalism" movement in Indian education. His philosophy emphasized that nature is the greatest teacher and that a child's development is only complete when they are in harmony with the natural environment.
The correct answer is (b) Both (A) and (B) are true.
Information Booster
· Assertion (A) is True: Tagore strongly believed that the "four walls" of a traditional classroom act as a prison for the child's mind. He advocated for "Open-Air Education," where students are in direct contact with nature—sitting under trees, observing the sky, and feeling the breeze. This led to the establishment of Shantiniketan (Abode of Peace).
· Reason (B) is True: Tagore argued that nature is a living entity, not a dead object. By being in nature, the child develops a sympathetic relationship with all life forms. This contact helps the child realize their place in the universe, making them friendly and empathetic toward the real world rather than alienated from it.
· The Connection: The reason correctly explains why Tagore wanted children in nature. He believed that isolation from the natural world creates "mechanical" human beings, whereas contact with nature nurtures "holistic" individuals who understand the unity of life.
Additional Knowledge
To deepen your understanding of Tagore's educational vision, consider these four pillars of his philosophy:
· Naturalism: Education should be imparted in natural surroundings to ensure the physical and mental freedom of the child.
· Humanism: Education must foster a love for humanity and a sense of brotherhood that transcends national boundaries.
· Internationalism: Tagore envisioned a "World University" ( Visva-Bharati) where the cultures of the East and West could meet.
· Idealism: The ultimate goal of education is self-realization and the attainment of the "Universal Man."
Summary Table