International Journal of Commerce, Management and Social Sciences

The Educational Model of Santiniketan, founded by Rabindranath Tagore in the early twentieth century, represents a distinctive approach to education that emphasizes holistic development, creativity, and harmony between the individual, society, and nature. Rooted in India‘s cultural renaissance and response to colonial education, Santiniketan sought to liberate learning from rigid classroom structures and promote freedom, self-expression, and experiential learning. This paper examines the philosophical foundations, pedagogical practices, and core values of the Santiniketan model and analyses its relevance to contemporary education. Drawing upon Tagore‘s child-centered and value-based vision, the study highlights the role of environment, culture, community, and artistic integration in nurturing intellectual, emotional, moral, and spiritual growth. The paper further explores Santiniketan‘s emphasis on interdisciplinary learning, experiential pedagogy, and the teacher‘s role as a mentor rather than a mere instructor. In the context of present-day educational challenges—such as excessive exam orientation, fragmentation of knowledge, loss of creativity, and declining social values—the Santiniketan model offers meaningful insights. The study argues that Tagore‘s educational philosophy aligns closely with modern pedagogical approaches, including constructivism, inquiry-based learning, holistic education, and education for sustainable development. Thus, the Santiniketan model remains highly relevant as a transformative framework for contemporary education.