Dr Ajaz Afzal Lone
Every society is deeply rooted in its unique knowledge system, reflecting its history, culture, and values. However, Indian education, for decades, has followed a British colonial system that often overlooked the richness of indigenous knowledge traditions. Recognizing this, the NEP 2020 marks a significant shift by reintroducing and integrating India’s native knowledge systems into mainstream education. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is a transformative framework aimed at overhauling the Indian education system to meet the demands of the 21st century. It emphasizes holistic, multidisciplinary, and skill-based education, fostering critical thinking and creativity among students. The policy introduces a 5+3+3+4 pedagogical structure, replacing the traditional 10+2 system, to better align with the developmental stages of learners. NEP 2020 promotes the use of regional languages as mediums of instruction, the integration of technology in education, and the inclusion of vocational training from an early age. It also focuses on universal access to quality education, equity for marginalized communities, and the internationalization of higher education. By envisioning an inclusive and flexible system, NEP 2020 aims to make India a global knowledge superpower while preserving its rich cultural heritage. However, it is essential that the policy ensures the inclusivity of diverse cultural, religious, and intellectual traditions, reflecting the pluralism that is central to India’s identity.
Integration of the Indian Knowledge System
The NEP 2020 highlights the importance of integrating the Indian Knowledge System (IKS) into modern education, emphasizing its rich contributions to science, mathematics, philosophy, medicine, art, and governance. It is crucial to recognize, however, that the IKS is not synonymous with any single religion, including Hinduism. It is a pluralistic and inclusive heritage shaped by contributions from various faiths, cultures, and traditions, such as Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Islam, Christianity, and indigenous communities. The NEP acknowledges this diversity and aims to celebrate India’s composite culture by incorporating universal values, critical thinking, and a holistic worldview rooted in shared human progress. By presenting the IKS as a collective legacy, the NEP underscores the importance of inclusivity and unity in diversity, which defines the Indian ethos.
Historical Contributions Beyond Hinduism
India’s history is a tapestry woven from diverse religious and cultural influences. Buddhism introduced principles of non-violence and compassion, which have had a lasting impact on global thought. Jainism, with its emphasis on asceticism and ecological harmony, added valuable perspectives on sustainable living. Sikhism championed equality and service to humanity. Islam, with its rich traditions in architecture, art, and scholarship, deeply influenced Indian intellectual and cultural life. Christianity, Zoroastrianism, and Judaism have also enriched India’s cultural fabric, contributing unique values and traditions. The coexistence and interaction of these faiths over centuries have created a vibrant, pluralistic society. This rich historical diversity challenges any reductionist view of Indian culture as exclusively Hindu, emphasizing instead the collective contributions of various communities to the nation’s shared heritage.
Contributions of Muslim Scholars to India’s Knowledge Systems
Muslim scholars have profoundly enriched India’s knowledge systems, leaving an indelible mark on various fields such as science, medicine, philosophy, literature, music, and architecture. Al-Biruni, a polymath who traveled to India with Mahmud of Ghazni, authored Kitab al-Hind, an encyclopedic study of Indian philosophy, astronomy, mathematics, and culture, while translating key Sanskrit texts into Arabic. Amir Khusrau, introduced Persian and Arabic influences to Indian music and literature, pioneering genres like qawwali and inventing early forms of the sitar and tabla. The Moroccan traveler Ibn Battuta, during his stay in India under Muhammad bin Tughlaq, documented Indian society, culture, and governance in his travelogue Rihla. Mughal prince Dara Shikoh, a proponent of interfaith dialogue, translated the Upanishads into Persian, fostering cross-cultural understanding. The Unani system of medicine, integral to India’s healthcare heritage, was deeply influenced by the works of Ibn Sina (Avicenna) and Zakariya al-Razi (Rhazes). Feroz Shah Tughlaq and Muhammad bin Tughlaq championed education by establishing madrasas, libraries, and translating Hindu scriptures into Persian and Arabic. Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, a visionary reformer, revolutionized education in India by founding Aligarh Muslim University, a beacon of modern knowledge. The poetic genius of Mirza Ghalib enriched Indian literature with his philosophical and romantic poetry. Thinkers like Al-Farabi and geographers like Al-Idrisi significantly influenced Indian trade, maritime knowledge, and intellectual traditions. These luminaries, through their unparalleled contributions, have shaped and elevated India’s intellectual and cultural heritage, ensuring a lasting legacy of knowledge and inclusivity.
The Need for Inclusivity in NEP 2020’s Focus on Hindu Philosophy
Languages are the soul of a nation, serving as vessels of cultural identity, knowledge, and tradition. Recognizing this, the NEP 2020 places significant importance on promoting indigenous languages, emphasizing their role in preserving India’s rich and diverse heritage. By advocating for regional languages as mediums of instruction, the policy seeks to bridge the gap between students and their cultural roots, ensuring that education resonates with the ethos of local communities. While the NEP 2020 is commendable in its vision to promote a holistic education system, it has significant emphasis on certain aspects of Hindu philosophy and traditions, particularly in relation to Yoga, Ayurveda, and moral teachings. These components are deeply embedded in the policy as central pillars of India’s educational framework. While Yoga and Ayurveda undeniably have historical and global significance, their promotion as integral parts of the curriculum raises concerns about inclusivity, especially for students from religious backgrounds that do not identify with Hinduism. Yoga, although practiced worldwide for its health benefits, has roots in Hindu philosophy, particularly in meditation and spiritual growth. The NEP’s advocacy for Yoga as a compulsory subject in schools may inadvertently promote a Hindu-centric worldview, potentially alienating students from other religious backgrounds, such as Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, or tribal communities. The practice of Yoga, if not introduced in a neutral and inclusive manner, risks being perceived not as a universal discipline for physical well-being but as a tool for religious indoctrination, which could undermine the secular fabric of India’s educational system. Similarly, Ayurveda, rooted in ancient Hindu texts, is presented in the NEP as a significant part of India’s cultural heritage. While Ayurveda offers valuable insights into holistic health, its promotion in the curriculum may marginalize other medical systems, such as Unani, Siddha, and modern medicine, creating a Hindu-centric view of health that disregards India’s pluralistic medical traditions. Additionally, the NEP’s emphasis on teaching moral values derived from Hindu scriptures could potentially alienate students from other religious communities. While values like compassion, truth, and non-violence are universally relevant, presenting them through the lens of Hindu philosophy risks undermining the principles of secularism and pluralism enshrined in India’s Constitution. Other religious traditions, such as Islam, Christianity, and Sikhism, also offer their own ethical teachings, which may not always align with Hindu perspectives.
To Summarise, While Yoga, Ayurveda, and moral teachings have immense value, their inclusion in the NEP 2020 must be handled carefully to ensure that they do not marginalize other cultural and religious traditions. The policy must strive for an approach that reflects India’s pluralism, ensuring that all religious and cultural communities are equally represented in the curriculum. A more balanced approach is needed one that integrates universal values and knowledge systems that transcend religious boundaries, fostering a truly inclusive educational environment for all students. By acknowledging and celebrating the contributions of diverse communities, the NEP can help build an education system that unites, rather than divides, the people of India.
Dr Ajaz Afzal Lone is currently working as Assistant Professor in University Institute of Legal Studies, Chandigarh University.