Faculty Development Program on Indian Knowledge System
Communication Model for IKS:
Pañcatantra & Nītiśāstra
Presented by
Stories that shaped life’s rules
Pañcatantra, a collection of moral tales and
fables from Ancient Indian Literature by
Vishnu Sharma,
Life lessons on governance, relationships,
and decision-making.
These stories serve as a guide to practical
wisdom, teaching fundamental life skills to
live harmoniously.
The Five Tantras
“Five Paths to Wisdom”
Botany The Pañcatantra consists of 72
Mitra-Bheda: Friends drift apart short stories, which are divided
Mitra-Lābha: Friends come together
into five main sections or Tantras
Kākolūkīyam: War & Peace
that address a specific area of
Labdhapraṇāśam: Losing gains
Aparīkṣitakārakaṃ: Rash actions practical wisdom to impart a
unique lesson.
The Frame story and Narrative
Structure “A Story within a story”
The
Brahmin
and
Mongoose The Pañcatantra features a unique structure with a
The
frame story that interplay between dialogue for an
The
Elephant Monkey interactive learning experience.
and Vishnu Sharma and the
Sparrow teaches the Crocodile Overarching narrative binds individual stories.
king’s sons Each story illustrates a life principle or ethical dilemma
(Core Story)
through engaging characters.
Like ripples in water: Central theme with
The interconnected lessons.
The Lion
Crows
and the Maintains engagement and provides cohesive learning.
and the
Bull
Owls
Practical Wisdom and Moral Lessons
“Timeless Teachings”
Timeless Wisdom: Pañcatantra stories offer practical lessons
rooted in real-life scenarios.
Real-Life Application: Focus on emotions, decisions, and
consequences in personal relationships and governance.
The Monkey and the Crocodile: Highlights calmness and wit
in adversity to overcome challenges.
The Lion and the Bull: Emphasizes trust, loyalty, and clear
communication to prevent misunderstandings.
Relatable Guidance: Stories serve as moral compasses for
navigating life's complexities.
Core Message of the Pañcatantra
The tales offer insights into human nature,
emphasizing strategic thinking, patience, and
moral integrity.
Revolves around Practical wisdom and the art
of intelligent living
Emphasizes key values:
Dharma (moral conduct)
Artha (prosperity)
Kama (desire)
Universal Relevance of Pancatantra
“Timeless stories of wisdom & Strategy”
Wisdom for All
Lessons in leadership, conflict resolution, and relationships
Cross-Cultural Impact
Adaptable to various cultural and societal contexts
Real-life Applications
Offers guidance for everyday decisions and challenges
Understanding Frame Story Structure
“Teaching with a Twist”
Frame Story Technique: A narrative structure embedding
smaller tales within a larger overarching story.
Purpose: Creates curiosity and engagement while
contextualizing lessons.
Example: Central figure, like Viṣṇu Śarma, imparts wisdom
through fables to princes.
Dual Role: Keeps the audience intrigued and reinforces
overarching themes of morality and governance.
Educational Value of Frame Story
“From ancient scrolls to modern minds”
Build stronger relationships Engagement
Engagement
Enhances focus and comprehension
Think strategically in challenges
Introduces complex ideas through
Understanding
digestible formats
Embrace universal values
Develops interpretive skills and broadens
Practical
perspectives
Wisdom
Storytelling as a Teaching Strategy
“Learn, Lead, Live”
Enhances Learning & Retention:
Stories simplify complex ideas, making them relatable and memorable.
Emotional and cognitive engagement aids in understanding moral lessons.
Versatile Application:
Useful for teaching humanities, moral values, and even technical subjects like
science and math.
Abstract concepts become accessible through storytelling.
SLow-Cost, High-Impact Education
“Learn, Lead, Live“
Affordable and Accessible
Requires minimal resources
Ideal for classrooms with limited access
Fosters Creativity
Can craft custom stories to suit lessons
Students active participation
Interactive Learning Environment
Shifts focus from rote learning
Encourages collaboration between teachers
and students
Development of Moral & Social
Identity“Learn, Lead, Live”
Key values are Imparted
Focus on trust, wisdom, foresight, and friendship
Cultivates responsibility, ethical behavior, and social awareness.
Moral compass for Students
Guides young minds to understand integrity and accountability
Encourages wise decision-making for personal and social growth
Relevance in Modern Education
Helps students recognize their roles and responsibilities in society
Enhances moral and social cohesion through relatable lessons.
Themes in the Pañcatantra
Core Philosophy: Practical wisdom (nīti)
Emphasizes using knowledge to make intelligent
real-life decisions
Significant themes:
Friendship and trust
Wit and foresight
Strategic thinking
Messages in the Pañcatantra
The story: The Monkey and the Crocodile
Stay calm in adversity
Use wit and intelligence
Be cautious in trust
Modern-Day Relevance of the Pañcatantra
Encourages vigilance and resilience
Promotes strategic thinking
Teaches rationality and composure in challenges
Broder Educational Implications
Benefits Impact
Deeper Understanding Relatable and memorable concepts
Critical Thinking Enhances analytical skills
Practical Wisdom Real-life decision-making
Broadened Perspectives Cultural and societal insights
Cultural and Global Applicability
Transcend Cultures and time Relevant for Global Education Systems
The Pañcatantra provides
valuable lessons in ethics
and governance while
showing how storytelling
be used to teach, engage,
and inspire.
Faculty Development Program on Indian Knowledge System
Communication Model for IKS:
Pañcatantra & Nītiśāstra
Presented by
