Integrating the Indian Knowledge System (IKS) and ancient education: insights and implementation under NEP 2020
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64171/JSRD.5.S1.98-102Keywords:
Indian Knowledge System (IKS), Vedic education, NEP 2020, Indigenous pedagogy, Holistic educationAbstract
Indian Knowledge Systems and Ancient (Vedic) education are not merely remnants of a bygone era; rather, they constitute dynamic and sophisticated epistemological frameworks that shaped intellectual inquiry, pedagogy, and social organization for millennia. Ancient Indian education was characterized by an integrated approach to knowledge, wherein disciplines such as philosophy, mathematics, astronomy, medicine, linguistics, arts, and ethics were studied as interconnected domains.
The Indian Knowledge System and Ancient (Vedic) education constitute a vast and sophisticated intellectual tradition that has evolved over centuries, encompassing diverse domains such as philosophy, science, mathematics, medicine, linguistics, arts, ecology, governance, and ethical thought. Recognizing the enduring relevance of these indigenous knowledge traditions, the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 explicitly advocates their systematic integration into mainstream education to foster holistic, experiential, and value-oriented learning. Consequently, there is a renewed interest in indigenous and traditional knowledge systems that are rooted in local cultures, ecological wisdom, and moral frameworks. Such knowledge systems offer alternative epistemological perspectives that emphasize harmony between humans and nature, interconnectedness of disciplines, experiential learning, and value-based living. Through a synthesis of theoretical perspectives, pedagogical models, illustrative practices, and policy-oriented recommendations, the study argues that the meaningful integration of IKS has the potential to significantly enrich contemporary education while upholding scientific rigor, inclusivity, and global relevance. This paper undertakes a comprehensive examination of the philosophical foundations of IKS and Vedic pedagogical principles, critically analyzes the curriculum-related provisions of NEP 2020, and proposes coherent and practical strategies for implementation at the school level.
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