Aiming for Holistic Education: Integrating IKS
The Indian Knowledge System (IKS) division, operating under the aegis of the Union Ministry of Education, has undertaken this groundbreaking venture. The motive aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which encourages the incorporation of IKS across all educational levels. This initiative is a direct outcome of the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) guidelines from April, urging higher education institutions to infuse IKS courses into their curricula.
Leading Institutions at the Helm
Esteemed institutions such as IIT-Kanpur, IIT-Bombay, IIT(BHU), Aryabhatta College in Delhi University, and Trinity College of Engineering, Pune, are among those selected to host these specialized centers. These institutions, which already house IKS centers focusing primarily on Indian languages, will now expand their horizons to include specific domains.
Fostering Knowledge Diversity: IKS Topics
The chosen centers will play a pivotal role in developing courses across an array of IKS topics, including Indian mathematics, Indian psychology, Indian chemistry, material science and metallurgy, Indian architecture and Vastu Shastra, ancient Indian astronomy, Pashu Ayurveda, Yoga, and India’s enduring maritime traditions.
Empowering Faculty, Enlightening Students
Each center will receive funding of ₹8.5 lakh per course, with the initial allocation of developing two to four courses. The primary objective is to create meticulously curated content in the form of videos and supplementary material. This will enable faculty members in higher education institutions to deliver specialized IKS courses to students as core electives, enriching their educational experience.
An Inclusive Approach: Making IKS Courses Accessible
The courses, comprising 30-40 lectures, each lasting 45-50 minutes, will be taught by field experts. These experts will actively participate in the lecture recording process. Notably, online delivery through platforms such as ZOOM or Google Meet is prohibited. Once established, these courses will be available for all higher education institutions to offer at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
Ensuring Quality and Progress: Vigilance by IKS Division
To ensure the success of these centers, the IKS division will appoint principal investigators for monitoring. The division also holds the right to cease funding if the centers fail to exhibit satisfactory progress, as evaluated by an independent expert review, within the first six months of the project.
A Step Toward Enriching Education: An Initiative with Vision
The government’s initiative to cultivate courses in the Indian Knowledge System echoes the sentiment of preserving our cultural and intellectual heritage. It paves the way for holistic education, empowers students and faculty alike, and ultimately contributes to a more profound understanding of India’s diverse and multifaceted heritage.
