Indian Knowledge System (IKS) and National Education Policy (NEP-2020)

Indian knowledge tradition is rich and unique. There is a noteworthy balance between life and science, the ordinary and transcendent, karma and dharma, and enjoyment and sacrifice. Over its history, the Indian education system has prioritized moral, material, spiritual, and intellectual values, tracing back to the ancient Rigvedic period. In addition to literary knowledge, the Indian Knowledge System emphasizes the value of physical work. Throughout history, India has shared knowledge of spiritual brotherhood, yoga, and Ayurveda, which the international community still embraces today. The National Education Policy 2020 represents a significant change in India's education landscape. It highlights the Indian Knowledge System (IKS) as crucial for shaping the country's educational framework. IKS plays a central role in revitalizing India’s rich cultural heritage. By incorporating IKS into the curriculum, the policy aims to improve interdisciplinary understanding, merge modern knowledge with traditional wisdom, and tackle current societal challenges. The policy seeks to instill in students values like empathy, respect for others, courtesy, democratic spirit, service, respect for public property, scientific thinking, freedom, responsibility, equality, and justice. It also emphasizes the importance of mother-tongue education, physical education, and the role of teachers as dedicated and knowledgeable guides. The National Education Policy 2020 aims to fill the gaps in the current education system. It seeks to ensure timely access to quality education, promote language resources and technology, and encourage research in IKS. However, there are many challenges to implementing the policy. The future will show how beneficial and forward-looking this change will be.