Indian Knowledge Systems, Classical Dance Forms, Bhagavad Gita Integration for Value Education: A Concept Note

Indian Knowledge Systems, Classical Dance Forms, Bhagavad Gita Integration for Value Education: A Concept Note

Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS, 2023), as part of the National Education Policy (NEP, 2020), has urged educational institutions to promote the integration of traditional classical dances, either as academic subjects or as a medium of instruction, to serve as a living, embodied expression of ancient Indian philosophy, aesthetics, and science. It emphasizes that classical dances — such as Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Odissi, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Mohiniyattam, Manipuri, and Sattriya—are not just performances but intricate, codified systems rooted in ancient texts.

Moreover, the IKS advocates for the introduction of Bhagavad Gita Studies as an academic subject at the higher education level and as part of value education in schools, along with modular short-term courses.

It is believed that the spiritual dance associated with the Bhagavad Gita should be nurtured and integrated with the philosophical teachings of this sacred text, alongside the physical, emotional, and divine expressions of Bhakti or devotion. The soulful dance performed in joy for the Supreme Being can evolve into a blissful experience for an embodied soul endowed with aesthetic-kinesthetic intelligence.

Since dance represents an aesthetic expression of the body and its movements, it should be viewed as kinesthetic intelligence manifested through aesthetic action. Thus, dance should be performed as Nishkama Karma, which signifies selfless action where the dancer, the dance, and the dance process are in harmony. In simpler terms, spiritual dance embodies selfless action, where the dancer focuses on the act of devotion rather than seeking accolades or financial gain.