Indian Knowledge Systems Emphasis Under National Education Policy

The National Education Policy (NEP, 2020) aims to develop full human potential, universal access to quality education, and develop cognitive, social, ethical, and emotional capacities of learner. The Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS, 2023) and the studies of the Gita as one of its components should be leveraged to enhance the understanding of spirituality and to ensure its beneficial impact on academic achievement of students. In India, it is widely believed that spirituality plays a crucial role in people's lives, including their educational pursuits, and it should be harnessed to inspire academic motivation. This indicates that the spiritual growth of both educators and learners should be integrated as a fundamental aspect of the educational framework.

The University Grants Commission (UGC, 2023) has been promoting the studies of the Bhagavad Gita through IGNOU's MA in Bhagavad Gita Studies (IGNOU, n.d.) and inclusion of Gita study in its Malaviya Mission Teacher Training Programme (MMTTP, n.d.) and a component of subjects like psychology, education, philosophy. sociology, etc. The guidelines have been issued by the UGC for incorporation of the IKS in various curricula by mandating that students take IKS credit courses amounting to at least 5% of their total requisite credits.

In essence, spirituality as India's ancient wisdom as a timeless intellectual heritage, requires its convergence with education for the academic success of students and their overall development. This necessitates that educators engage with their students on a spiritual level to foster mutual growth. Ultimately, spiritual fulfillment and academic achievement must be interconnected. The practical implications for educators should focus on these perceptions, enabling teachers, educational leaders, and institutional management to connect with their students on a deeper, spiritual level, thereby motivating them in their academic endeavors.

References

NEP 92020). National Education Policy 2020. Available at Education.Gov.in, Retrieved from

https://www.education.gov.in › sites › mhrd › files

IKS (2023). Indian Knowledge Systems, Ministery of Education, Government of India, Available at https://iksindia.org/

UGC (2023). Guidelines UGC, New Delhi. Available at https://www.ugc.gov.in › Guideline

IGNOU (n.d.). MABGS : Master of Arts(Bhagavadgita Studies). Retrieved from https://ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in/index.php/site/programme-detail?id=fbb10eaef1c7b10c1f5ee8cf6faac5b98ca7a6ec1b1d768055dbe887c5fb931b1850

MMTTP (n.d.) Malaviya Mission Teacher Training Programme Available at https://ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in/index.php/site/programme-detail?d=fbb10eaef1c7b10c1f5ee8cf6faac5b98ca7a6ec1b1d768055dbe887c5fb931b1850