Indian Knowledge System: Role in National Education Policy, 2020

Abstract

National Education Policy 2020 is a landmark in the history of the Indian Education System and aims to address many growing developmental challenges in our country. This policy proposes the revision and revamping of all aspects of the education structure, including its regulation and governance to create a new system that is aligned with national education goals including the Sustainable Development goals while building upon India’s traditions and value systems. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has been launched to transform the Indian education system using holistic development of the learners. This framework offers a comprehensive and integrated approach to the growth of the education system. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 aims to foster holistic development by integrating Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) like Ayurveda, Yoga, Vedas and traditional arts and crafts into the education curriculum. Incorporating IKS can preserve India’s intellectual heritage while cultivating an inclusive, culturally grounded approach to learning. However, effective integration requires a systematic approach involving curricular interventions such as introducing foundational IKS courses, integrating IKS perspectives across disciplines, promoting research and innovation, providing experiential learning, collaborating with knowledge holders and building faculty capacity. The main objective of the National Education Policy 2020 is to fill the gaps in the current education system and integrate IKS to provide timely, quality education across the country. The main objective of the IKS Division is to go beyond merely acknowledging the existence of Indian Knowledge Systems and to rejuvenate and mainstream it by integrating it into the fabric of our education research ecosystem for the contemporary world.