Bania, Shisira  <br/><br/>
Cultivating holistic education: Decolonizing Indian higher education through the Bhartiya knowledge system 

 - University News   
 - 62(17), Apr 22-28, 2024: p.14-20 
<br/><br/> India’s higher education system has long been influenced by colonial frameworks, shaping curricula, pedagogical approaches, and institutional structures. The Bharatiya Knowledge System (BKS) offers an alternative, aiming to decolonize education by integrating indigenous wisdom, traditional sciences, and cultural philosophies into mainstream academia.<br/>Understanding the Bharatiya Knowledge System: The BKS encompasses diverse disciplines, including Ayurveda, Vedic mathematics, Sanskrit literature, and philosophical traditions. It emphasizes experiential learning, holistic development, and ethical consciousness, contrasting with the Eurocentric models that dominate Indian universities.<br/>Challenges in Decolonizing Higher Education: - Curriculum Reform: Existing syllabi prioritize Western theories, often marginalizing indigenous perspectives.<br/>- Institutional Resistance: Universities may hesitate to adopt BKS due to accreditation concerns and global academic standards.<br/>- Lack of Research Integration: Traditional knowledge systems require scientific validation to gain wider acceptance.<br/>Policy Recommendations: - Incorporating BKS in NEP 2020: The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 advocates for multidisciplinary learning, providing an opportunity to integrate Bharatiya traditions into higher education.<br/>- Establishing Research Centers: Dedicated institutions can document and validate indigenous knowledge, ensuring its relevance in modern academia.<br/>- Cross-Cultural Collaboration: Encouraging partnerships between traditional scholars and contemporary researchers can bridge the gap between ancient wisdom and modern science.<br/>Decolonizing Indian higher education through the Bharatiya Knowledge System is essential for fostering intellectual diversity, cultural pride, and holistic learning. By embracing indigenous wisdom, India can create an education system that is globally competitive yet deeply rooted in its heritage.<br/> - Reproduced  
<br/><br/><label>Subjects--Topical Terms: </label><br/>Bharatiya Knowledge System, Decolonization, Higher Education, NEP 2020, Indigenous Wisdom, Curriculum Reform, Traditional Sciences, Vedic Mathematics, Ayurveda, Sanskrit Literature, Experiential Learning, Intellectual Diversity, Cultural Pride, Research Integration