What effect does the poem 'Where the Mind is Without Fear' have on its readers?

Rabindranath Tagore's "Where the Mind is Without Fear" motivates and inspires readers to better their country and live with both pride and dignity.

The British rule in India during the end of the 19th century left many of the people of India feeling belittled and reduced. Their country had been essentially taken from them. Their pride was broken.

Tagore's poem is a call for honor. Statements such as

Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high
Where knowledge is free

encourage the people of India to literally hold their heads high and to be proud of their nation and of the knowledge that they have carried through many generations.

Tagore also calls to "Father," presumably God. He prays that his country "awake[s]" into "that heaven of freedom." Tagore wants the people of India to feel free, and to have their pride restored. His calls to a higher power appeal to religious people, while his calls to "tireless striving" appeal to hard-working individuals who will work restlessly until they achieve their intentions. 

Tagore clearly believes in his country and in the knowledge of his people. His poem demonstrates that despite the attempts by the British rule to belittle the people of India, the Indian citizens must continue to hold their heads high and allow their knowledge to lead their country to greatness.