Integration of IKS in modern education - Challenges and way forward

Understanding the Indian Knowledge system and how it can be incorporated in modern education system.

1. Integration of Indian / Bharatiya Knowledge System in modern education – Challenges and the way forward Presented by Monami Basu Research Scholar (Nehru Gram Bharti University)

2. What is the Indian/Bharatiya Knowledge system(IKS/ BKS)? The Indian/ Bharatiya Knowledge System (IKS/ BKS) is a methodical transmission of knowledge from one generation to another. It is a well-structured system and process of knowledge transfer along with traditions. It consists of Jnan Vignan Jeevan Darshan

3. Why implementation of the IKS is important? We need to regain the comprehensive knowledge system of our heritage and demonstrate the “Indian way” of doing things to the world. Also, the young generation of not only India but the entire world is going through a very difficult phase of “Mental Health”. Our ancient tradition of “Jeevan Darshan” has the solution to these issues.

4. How will education help in the implementation of the IKS? Education is the first stepping stone in building a nation.

5. National Educational Policy (NEP-2020) In the NEP-2020, the Government of India(GOI) finally recognized the traditional knowledge treasure of India and decided to implement it to get out of the shadow of the colonial way of education. Some of the key guidelines for the implementation of IKS by the Ministry of Education are: It stresses the promotion of Indian Languages, Arts, and Culture. I t stresses for Training Faculty on IKS. It stresses to create an association between Artists and Higher Education Institutions, to develop an effective structure of art education, involving skilled Kala Gurus in teaching, research, and other academic activities. It stresses on introduction of courses based on Indian heritage and culture.

6. Challenges in the implementation of IKS Language In India, knowing and speaking English is considered to be a parameter to judge a person’s capabilities. An individual who cannot speak English is looked down upon. This is more prevalent in urban regions of India. As per a report in Time of India (TOI) more than a quarter of school children in India study in English medium schools with the biggest increase in students opting for English medium in states like Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.

7. Challenges in the implementation of IKS Curriculum The current books follow the modern knowledge system. Subjects such as Naturopathy, life skills, astronomy, philosophy, tribal knowledge, ancient art, Folk dance, etc. are not part of primary education. Understanding of IKS Though the Government of India has introduced IKS in undergraduate and postgraduate courses, the colleges are not very clear about how to implement it due to a lack of guidelines. As per a report in Hindustan Times (Pandit, 2023), colleges are incorporating Yoga in their curriculum, wherein for 15 days students must come with their Yoga mats thrice to earn the credit points Trained facilitators It is very important that the facilitators who are imparting IKS should themselves have understood the ethos of IKS and then impart it. At present India, lacks a skilled set of professionals who can carry the IKS legacy forward. Though UGC is planning to train 15 lakh teachers to implement IKS in undergraduate and postgraduate courses ( Jigeesh , 2023), no step has been taken to train primary teachers to implement it at the entry-level. Adaptability After many years of colonization and due to the adaptation of modern education, relearning and looking at the same subjects but with a new perspective will be difficult.

8. Way Forward in the implementation of IKS New media tools in education like online education, can play a key role in facilitating its adaption. As per reports, there were 692 million internet users in India at the start of 2023, 476 million were social media users as of January 2023. a total of 1.1 billion (77 % of the total population) cellular connections were active in India in early 2023 (Simon, 2023). Also due to the COVID-19 pandemic, online education is now a well-known mode of learning in urban and rural India. The Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) has introduced educational apps like Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing (DIKSHA), National Initiative for School Heads’ and Teachers’ Holistic Advancement (NISHTHA), and ePathshala Thus, reaching the youth of the country via online education through educational apps and new social media tools will help convince them about the benefits of IKS and why its adaptation will help in their holistic development.

9. Way Forward in the implementation of IKS Multilingual online content in the form of cartoons to attract kids needs to be created . Job opportunities in organizations related to IKS need to be created . The curriculum needs to be reframed at the primary level. For example, the introduction of Vedic math along with modern math, Ayurvedic uses of plants in modern Biology, etc. from class I. Evaluation of students should give equal weightage to practical and theoretical knowledge. Learning life skills should be part of the curriculum and a proper evaluation system should be developed.

10. Thank You !!