Connecting Cultures and Building Character: The Efficacy of the Panchatantra in English Language Teaching

Abstract

Education plays a crucial role in any individual’s life, apart from providing knowledge it also helps in building moral character. Ancient Gurukula system nurtured the students with quality education, wisdom, moral and life lessons. Due to modernization in education system, the essence of education is at vague. English Language Teaching focuses on developing pedagogical materials that not only promote linguistic competence but also foster character development and intercultural understanding. Panchatantra, initially called as Nitishastra, is considered one of the oldest collections of Indian fables, which is capable of enlightening an individual’s mind through its moral stories. Originally compiled during 300 BC by Pandit Vishnu Sharma, an orthodox Brahmin, it edifies the values and as its Sanskrit title justifies, it is a book for wise conduct of life.This paper extensively concentrates on imparting Panchatantra tales into the ELT classroom, to enrich the experience of learning beyond language and linguistic proficiency, contributing to the holistic development and cultural insights of Indian culture.