Understanding the Importance of Spiritual Well-being Among Youth: Insights from the Framework of NEP 2020

Spiritual well-being is a multi-dimensional concept related to a sense of completeness with self, nature and a power greater than self. It has been characterised as an inner sense of peace, meaning, belonging, and harmony in life. It is a state beyond physical well-being and mental wellness. Although NEP 2020 never uses the term “spiritual well-being"explicitly but it does envision education as a harmonious process, combining intellectual, emotional, ethical, and spiritual elements. Drawing on several concepts of Bhartiya Gyan Parampara, such as yoga, meditation, and value education, this paper outlines how NEP 2020 provides opportunities to encourage the inner development of young students by promoting spiritual well-being. Thus, this study aims to investigate the meaning and concept of spiritual well-being under the NEP 2020 framework. The study also focuses on understanding the role of spiritual well-being in the overall development of youth. The study further tries to find out what tools and methods can be included in the education curriculum and promote spiritual well-being among youths, keeping a prime focus on the problems and challenges that higher educational institutions are most likely to face while incorporating spiritual well-being into their curriculum. The study concludes that adding spiritual well-being to curricula is not a discretionary option but an imperative need of the contemporary education system. Besides preparing students for academic and career excellence. The National Education Policy 2020 foresees developing individuals rooted in values, self-awareness, and inner strength. Spiritual well-being thus equips youth to face the stress, ambiguity, and ethical difficulties of the 21st century by creating a sense of resilience, empathy, and social responsibility.