What Was The Specific Influence Of M.K. Gandhi's 1927 Meeting With Rabindranath Tagore At Santiniketan On His Subsequent Adoption Of The ' Constructive Programme' As A Means Of Non-cooperation, And How Did This Interaction Reflect The Evolving Relationship Between Gandhian Philosophy And Bengali Intellectual Traditions In The Indian Independence Movement?

The 1927 meeting between M.K. Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore at Santiniketan significantly influenced Gandhi's adoption of the Constructive Programme. Tagore's emphasis on education, cultural revival, and self-sufficiency resonated with Gandhi, who was seeking to refine his non-cooperation strategy post the 1920s movements.

Tagore's educational approach at Santiniketan, focusing on holistic development and community engagement, inspired Gandhi to integrate grassroots development into his activism. This led Gandhi to formulate the Constructive Programme, which included initiatives like spinning khadi, cottage industries, and social reforms. These activities aimed to empower villages, reducing dependence on colonial systems and embodying non-cooperation through self-reliance.

Their interaction symbolizes the convergence of Gandhian activism with Bengali intellectual traditions, which stressed cultural and social reform. This exchange enriched the independence movement by blending practical activism with intellectual and cultural insights, reflecting a broader, inclusive strategy that drew from diverse regional ideas. Thus, their meeting not only influenced Gandhi's constructive approach but also highlighted the collaborative spirit that strengthened India's struggle for independence.