NEP advocates curriculum and pedagogy based in the Indian context. Its objective is to inculcate the Indian Knowledge System in all subjects in HEIs. (Representative image: Shutterstock)
IKS or Indian Knowledge Tradition is an integral part of NEP. The new education policy envisions an educational ecosystem deeply rooted in the Indian ethos.
From the study of works, texts and scriptures of ancient scholars like Aryabhata, Panini and Brahmagupta to Vedic science, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has set out to train over 10,000 faculty members of universities and colleges in the Indian Knowledge System (IKS). Is ready. Different phases between November 2024 and March 2025.
This initiative is in line with the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020. IKS or Indian Knowledge Tradition is an integral part of NEP. The new education policy envisions an educational ecosystem deeply rooted in the Indian ethos.
IKS is being taught as a subject in all colleges including engineering and management institutes in the country.
Higher education regulator UGC has asked colleges and universities to submit their applications by October 2 for the six-day basic training programme, which will be organized by it.
“The training program is scheduled to run from November 2024 to March 2025 to train 10,000 faculty members and 1,000 registered research scholars from universities and colleges across the country, across a total of 75 institutions. NEP boldly placed IKS at the center of Indian education. Nationwide, the training program equips faculty members with the tools to seamlessly integrate Indian knowledge systems into their teaching practices,” the UGC said in a letter, urging all higher education institutions (HEIs) to apply for it.
NEP advocates curriculum and pedagogy based in the Indian context. Its objective is to inculcate the Indian Knowledge System in all subjects in HEIs.
IKS training modules include Introduction to Panch Maha Bhootas, Concept of Sutra, Introduction to non-translatable concepts (for example – Dharma, Punya, Atma, Karna, Yagya, Shakti, Varna, Jati, Moksha, Purana etc.). and the importance of using appropriate terminology. It also includes an introduction to the philosophical foundations of IKS such as Samkhya, Vaisheshika and Nyaya.
The module suggests to include some case studies like Mathematics of Madhva, Astronomical models of Aryabhata, Fundamental aspects of Ayurveda, Ashtanga Yoga, Music and Natya Shastra, etc.
“The courses designed for training are broad-based and not limited to a specific discipline for just one faculty member. It includes introductory material on all aspects. This will enable them to explore the most basic aspects of IKS,” said an official involved in curriculum design and training.
There are also discipline-specific courses covering chemistry, metallurgy, mathematics and literature, among other subjects, which provide deep insight into ancient texts and concepts on each of these areas, the official said. For example, mathematics in the Vedas and Sulva Sutras. It will also include the study of the lives and works of ancient scholars of the subject like Aryabhata, Pingala and Panini.
The first phase of faculty training began in July 2023 with the establishment of an IKS Cell under the Union Ministry of Education (MOE) to promote interdisciplinary research on all aspects of IKS, its preservation and dissemination for societal applications. Could.
Training is provided by various agencies including Human Resource Development Center (HRDC) and Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya National Mission on Teacher Training (PMMMMMTT).
