The University Grants Commission (UGC) has taken a bold step towards blending the nation’s rich cultural heritage with modern education. The commission has introduced guidelines aimed at seamlessly intertwining the Indian Knowledge System (IKS) with current subjects in higher education.
These guidelines aim to create a comprehensive blueprint that facilitates systematic exploration and research in various IKS disciplines. This initiative is expected to enrich the higher education curriculum with the wisdom and depth of traditional Indian knowledge.
Navigating the New Terrain: General Guidelines
As per UGC’s instructions, undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) students will be motivated to earn credit for courses in IKS. The total IKS credits should comprise at least five percent of the overall mandatory credits. Furthermore, students with an inclination towards IKS can opt for a larger fraction of their total credits in IKS fields. An interesting aspect of these guidelines is that at least half of the IKS credits must correlate to the student’s primary discipline, contributing to the credits of their major subject.
Reviving Traditions in Undergraduate Programs
The new framework encourages UG students to undertake IKS courses, especially during the initial semesters. It necessitates that half of the required credits be sourced from IKS disciplines related to the student’s primary field of study. As a foundational step, students will partake in an introductory course on the Indian Knowledge System, providing a broad overview of relevant IKS streams. Institutions are expected to offer a variety of elective IKS courses to facilitate students’ engagement with the system and meet the requisite number of courses and credits. To further augment this engagement, students will be urged to choose IKS-related themes for their projects in the final semesters.
Incorporating Indian Knowledge System in Postgraduate Courses
PG students pursuing Arts, Commerce, and Sciences are also brought under the purview of these guidelines. Students are expected to enroll in advanced credit courses within IKS that align with their specialization. The total IKS credits should be at least five percent of the total mandatory credits. The guidelines also provide for students to take additional courses in IKS, provided they align with their PG program’s requirements.
Education Experts Weigh In
Raghwa Gopal, CEO of M Square Media (MSM), a global education management company, shared his views on the new development. “The UGC’s decision to integrate the Indian Knowledge System into higher education is a landmark moment in educational reform. This initiative bridges the gap between tradition and modernity, enriching students’ understanding with the wisdom of the ancestors.”
He further stated, “In an increasingly globalized world, it’s important for students to have a strong understanding of their cultural roots. Through this integration, students will gain a unique perspective, enhancing their critical thinking skills while preserving our rich cultural heritage.”
However, Gopal also noted the challenges ahead. “It’s crucial to implement these guidelines in a manner that complements modern educational approaches. Striking a balance between traditional wisdom and contemporary knowledge will be key. Yet, with careful planning and collaboration, we can enrich our education system with the depth and diversity of the Indian Knowledge System.”
Gopal concluded with a note of optimism, “There is no denying the complexity of the task that lies ahead. The fusion of two distinct knowledge systems is no small feat. However, I am confident that with the collective efforts of educators, institutions, and policymakers, we can overcome these hurdles. This integration could herald a new era in education, one that marries the richness of our past with the promise of our future. The incorporation of IKS into higher education could serve as a model for other nations, demonstrating how traditional knowledge can coexist and indeed enhance modern educational paradigms.”
