Which person is popularly known by the honorific title Gurudev?

Introduction / Context:
Many Indian spiritual leaders, poets, and thinkers are remembered by special honorific titles. One such title is Gurudev, which literally means revered teacher. It is strongly associated with a Nobel Prize winning poet who played a major role in modern Indian literature and thought. This question checks whether the learner can correctly link this famous title with the right personality among several well known Indian figures.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The title given is Gurudev.
• It is an honorific used widely in Indian cultural and literary discussions.
• The options include religious reformers, philosophers, and one major poet.
• The learner is expected to know basic biographical information about Rabindranath Tagore.

Concept / Approach:
The concept tested is recognition of epithets and honorific titles. Rabindranath Tagore, the Bengali poet, philosopher, and Nobel laureate, is popularly referred to as Gurudev by his followers and in many writings. He established the educational institution at Santiniketan and inspired generations of students and artists, which made the teacher like title very appropriate. Although other religious figures are sometimes called guru, the specific formal title Gurudev, in mainstream general knowledge, points to Tagore.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Focus on the exact title Gurudev mentioned in the question. Step 2: Recall which famous personality is routinely introduced by this title in textbooks and cultural programmes. Step 3: Remember that Rabindranath Tagore, author of Gitanjali and the national anthem, is commonly known as Gurudev. Step 4: Scan the options and identify Tagore among the names. Step 5: Select Tagore as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
To verify, think of school functions or cultural programmes where songs by Tagore are sung and he is introduced as Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore. Biographical sketches and exam preparation material also mention this title next to his name. Other personalities in the options have their own titles, but Gurudev appears most consistently with Tagore, which confirms the correct association for exam questions.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Narayana guru was a respected social reformer and spiritual leader from Kerala but is usually referred to simply as Narayana guru, not as Gurudev in the standard national context. Dr S Radhakrishnan was a philosopher and President of India, often called Dr Radhakrishnan, not Gurudev. Ramakrishna Paramahamsa was a mystic and spiritual teacher, but his devotees call him by his own name or as Thakur. Swami Vivekananda is famous for his Chicago speech and is called Swamiji. None of them are primarily identified with the title Gurudev in common general knowledge sources.

Common Pitfalls:
A common error is to think that any spiritual teacher could be called Gurudev and to pick a religious figure such as Ramakrishna Paramahamsa or Narayana guru. However competitive examinations usually focus on the most widely recognised pairing of title and person. Therefore, learners should consciously memorise specific pairs like Mahatma Gandhi, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Lokmanya Tilak, and Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore. This practice greatly reduces confusion when similar questions appear.

Final Answer:
The person popularly known by the honorific title Gurudev is Rabindranath Tagore, represented here as Tagore.