Role of Holistic Education Practices To Enrich The Indian Knowledge System in Contemporary Education
Role of Holistic Education Practices To Enrich The Indian Knowledge System in Contemporary Education
12(05), 659-666
Article DOI:10.21474/IJAR01/18768
DOI URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.21474/IJAR01/18768
RESEARCH ARTICLE
ROLE OF HOLISTIC EDUCATION PRACTICES TO ENRICH THE INDIAN KNOWLEDGE SYSTEM
IN CONTEMPORARY EDUCATION
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Corresponding Author:- Swati Sharma
Address:- Research Scholar School of Education, Central University of Gujarat.
ISSN: 2320-5407 Int. J. Adv. Res. 12(05), 659-666
means the experiences and praxis which is to be transferred from one generation to another, the indigenous
knowledge of our ancestors which is peculiar in that we need efforts to understand. The knowledge that Lord
Krishna gave to Arjuna in Mahabharata the renowned Bhagavad Gita was underpinned by Sage Vyas,which is one
of the two main Sanskrit epics in Hinduism and ancient India, the other being Ramayana that is unabridged of moral
values and ethics, an exemplary of emotional and social well-being (Tiwari S., 2023).With the rapid change in the
knowledge system globally and the interference of the West, the 21 st generation is lost in the illusion and
disparagesthe rich culture and heritage of the nation. The annihilation of values and ethics that are the crown of our
glorious past is a matter of concern for us. The National Education Policy (NEP 2020) signifies the importance of
the Indian Knowledge System and overhauls the complete curricula of the education system. Rooted in ancient
wisdom, philosophical insights, and practical knowledge, the IKS contributes to the development of a holistic and
culturally grounded educational framework.
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Table 1:-Transition of Education from the Ancient to the Contemporary Education System:
S.No. Time Period Purpose of Education Characteristics of Subjects/ Curriculum
Education taught
1. Brahmanical All-sided development, Upanayana (admission), Vedas, Vedangas,
System of infusion of Piety and Brahmacharya (celibacy), Upanishads,
Education Religiousness, Formation Gurukul System (living in Dharmashastras, Itihas,
of Character, guru‘s hermitages), Strict Dhanurvidya,
Development of physical, obedience, Sravan, Sarpavidya, Medicine,
mental, moral, and Manana, Niddhyasana, Surgery, Bhutvidya
spiritual powers. Oral examination, (Study of Demons
Sanskrit language, ), logic, economics,
Samavartana (completion maths, astronomy, art,
of studentship), singing, dance, etc.
Gurudakshina
2. Ancient Indian To follow the Eightfold Pabbajja (Commencement Five Vidyas: Shabda
Education path of Gautam: of studentship), Bhikshu Vidya (Grammer),
(Buddhist Right View, Right (abstinence from worldly Shilpasthana Vidya (Art
Education) Aspiration, Right Speech, pleasure), Monistic and craft), Chikitsa
Right Conduct, Right Education, wisdom-study, Vidya (Medicine), Hetu
Livelihood, Right Effort, thought, and meditation, Vidya (Logic)and
Right Mindfulness, Right Upasampada (status of Adhyatma Vidya
Rapture, and Holistic monk), Nalanda, (Philosophy).
Development of Takshashila, Vallabhi,
Individuals. Vikramashila
Universities, Pali, Prakrit,
and Sanskrit are the
instructional languages.
3. Medieval Period Religiousness, Morality, Maktabs (primary Grammar, Rhetoric,
Spread of Islamic education institutes), Logic, Theology,
Doctrines, laws, and reading, writing, Metaphysics, Literature,
social customs, spread of elementary arithmetic, Jurisprudence, and
the light of learning, Madrasas (higher Science, the study of
Preservation, and study of education institutes), Arabic and holy Kuran.
classical texts
4. Colonial Period Cultural and Social Emphasis on Western English language and
Control, Production of knowledge and culture, literature, Mathematics,
clerks and Civil Servants, neglect of Indigenous Technical subjects,
Spread of Western values, Knowledge, Eliticism, Christian Religious
Christian missionary technical and vocational Studies, Western
objectives, separation of training, rote- philosophy, European
vernacular and English memorization, emphasis history and geography
language. on the English language,
and promotion of British
values and culture.
5. Post- Universal Elementary Equalization of education Hindi, English, Science,
Independence Education, Eradication of opportunities, Three- Mathematics,
Illiteracy, Adult language formula, Re- Humanities,
Education, Women's orientation of the content Agriculture,
Education, Vocational and process of education, Commercial, Technical,
and Technical Education, Distance Education, Use Home-science, Cultural
Professional Education, of multi-media and mass courses- music, fine
National Education Policy media, focus on teachers arts, yoga, cultural
1968, 1986, and 1992 and teacher education, heritage, Physical
(POA) for a complete Expansion of higher education, Art and
overhaul of the Indian education institutions and Craft.
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Holistic education is a foundation to make a human being ready to serve society and develops the inner and
ourselves through physical and intellectual spiritual, moral, and artistic aspects (Mahesh, Aithal & Sharma, 2023).
Our Ancient Education System was solely based on the holistic education approach which not only focussed on
memorization but creative and critical thinking. Beginning from primary to higher education, learnings were always
associated with fostering practical and world-application of knowledge emphasizing principles such as dharma
(duty), karma (action), and the pursuit of knowledge as a means of attaining self-realization. These principles guide
the ethical and moral dimensions of education. The important place of Indian heritage and culture in the curriculum
was very well structured and taught. To rejuvenate the same approach, the contemporary education system needs the
exact structured plan to implement the Indian Knowledge System with an emphasis on holistic education practices at
all the levels of school curriculum.
By education I mean an all-round drawing out of the best in child and man – body, mind, and spirit- M. K. Gandhi.
Holistic Education prioritizes the emotional and mental well-being of the students. It connects the students to
spirituality and promotes mindfulness and well-being. Students gain an understanding and appreciation for diverse
cultures, histories, and the importance of moral and ethical values. Collaboration, effective communication, and
interpersonal skills are integral to holistic development. It recognizes that individuals have varied strengths,
including linguistic, logical-mathematical, spatial, musical, bodily-kinesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal, and
naturalistic intelligence. A life-long learning approach is fostered by holistic education. A main element of holistic
education is its focus on the interconnectedness of knowledge and reality.The difference between varied knowledge
as Para Vidya (Spiritual Knowledge) and Apara Vidya (Practical Knowledge), Vidya (true apprehension of reality),
and Avidya(false apprehension of reality) (Mundakopanisad, 1.1.4), jñāna (Knowledge in the Bhagavad Gita)can be
experienced by three practices:sravana (hearing), manana (thinking) and nididhyasana (meditation) which are the
integrands of Holistic Education Practicessuch as active engagement, critical thinking and self-contemplation. The
prevalent education is concentrated on career-making and absorbed in making an individual ready for jobs and
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industry. Consequently,loaded with stress and obsession with work-life with little focus on physical health, mental
health, and spiritual aspects of human beings. The right kind of Knowledge is essential to differentiate the material
world and the spiritual world and to make a balance between them. With Holistic Educationa bridge between the
two can be formed in which human life can be balanced. Holistic Education approaches those educational
experiences that foster a less materialistic and a more spiritual worldview along with more dynamic and holistic
views of reality (Mahmoudi, Jafari., Nasrabadi,&Liaghatdar, 2012).
Table 2:- Holistic Education: Integration of traditional wisdom and modern teaching methodologies:
S.No. Dimensions of Courses in Indian Importance in the Application in
Holistic Knowledge System Education System Contemporary
Development Education
1. Traditional Vedic corpus, The Itihasas, Knowledge of ancient Study of ancient
Knowledge Puranas, and other streams. scriptures, religions, and history with real-
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Conclusion:-
Telling the stories of our pioneering experiences in one field after another is not enough in our search for
‗Vishwaguru‘. Our civilization is not inherently excellent just because it is ancient. Fundamental ideas, strong
frameworks, forward-thinking methods of knowing, and the caliber of our institutions should be the foundation of
true greatness. It is time to stop complaining about the three months that the books at Nalanda were burned and start
working to conserve the one crore manuscripts that are still there—not just as historical artifacts but as alive,
breathing topics (Chaudhary, 2023). According to NEP 2020, ‗A holistic and multidisciplinary education would aim
to develop all capacities of human beings -intellectual, aesthetic, social, physical, emotional, and moral in an
integrated manner (Roy, 2022). The Indian Knowledge System curriculum framework was started by the
government at all educational levels. Through this initiative, the children's holistic development can be achieved in
addition to the preservation of the cultural legacy.The objectives of revitalizing the Indian Knowledge System can
be achieved by the integration of contemporary teaching methodologies with holistic education practices. Now is the
time for significant opportunities, but it is also the duty of all those involved in the systematized education system to
convert this responsibility into possibilities. Our children's brains and souls need to be kept rich in Indian culture,
legacy, and civilization because of the powerful influence of Western culture at all levels, which leads to a colonized
mindset that needs to be subdued. India has a long history of integrating studies from many fields in its literature and
at universities like Takshashila and Nalanda, which promote holistic and multidisciplinary learning (Roy, 2022).In
terms of global knowledge levels, India is a leader. Swami Vivekananda (1970) asserted that education is the
expression of perfection already present in man, and as such, humans can access all knowledge and wisdom within
themselves which leads to fostering mental, moral, and spiritual powers. This includes the ability to assimilate all
knowledge that we inherit from our great ancestors.
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