Why in the News?

• The UGC has released a draft curriculum framework that integrates Indian Knowledge Systems into undergraduate courses, sparking debate over tradition and academic rigour.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Indian Knowledge Systems (Introduction, Subject-wise Integration, Criticism & Challenges, Significance, Future Outlook)

Introduction

• The University Grants Commission (UGC) has unveiled a draft Learning Outcomes-based Curriculum Framework (LOCF) for undergraduate courses in disciplines such as anthropology, chemistry, commerce, economics, geography, home science, mathematics, physical education, and political science.
• A striking feature of this framework is the emphasis on Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS), with provisions to embed traditional wisdom, philosophies, and practices into modern pedagogy.
• The draft has been opened for stakeholder feedback.

Focus on Indian Knowledge Systems

• The LOCF outlines an approach that seeks to contextualise higher education within India’s cultural and intellectual traditions.
• This aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which encouraged decolonisation of education and promotion of indigenous systems of knowledge.
• Each subject has been tasked with weaving elements of Indian thought into the curriculum, blending heritage with modern learning outcomes.

Subject-wise Integration of Ancient Wisdom

• Mathematics
  • The draft proposes modules on mandala geometry, yantras, rangoli and kolam as algorithmic art forms, and the study of temple architecture through āyādi ratios.
  • It highlights contributions of Indian mathematicians in arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and calculus, and their influence on global mathematical traditions.
• Commerce
  • Commerce education is to incorporate Bhartiya philosophy and the Gurukul system’s holistic learning approach, linking ethical leadership and sustainable practices with modern corporate governance.
  • Kautilya’s Arthashastra will be taught as a classical text offering insights into trade regulation and financial management.
  • Concepts such as Ram Rajya in governance, CSR, ESG frameworks, and the Shubh-labh philosophy on profit with responsibility will also find space in the curriculum.
• Economics
  • The LOCF emphasises dharmic perspectives on wealth and prosperity, trade ethics, and collective enterprise.
  • Students will study indigenous exchange systems, agrarian values, principles of dana (charity), and the role of the king in the economy, contextualising economics within cultural and moral traditions.
• Chemistry
  • In chemistry, traditional Indian fermented beverages like kanji, mahua, toddy will be included in a module on alcoholic beverages.
  • The course also introduces ancient Indian concepts of the parmanu (atom) alongside modern atomic theory.
  • This integration aims to balance modern scientific education with historical Indian perspectives.
• Anthropology
  • The draft anthropology curriculum draws from thinkers such as Charaka, Sushruta, Buddha, and Mahavira.
  • Their reflections on the relationship between nature and culture are presented as indigenous perspectives that enrich anthropological studies.

Criticism and Challenges

• While the NEP 2020 encouraged multidisciplinary learning, the LOCF prioritises single-major pathways.
• For instance, in chemistry, 96 out of 172 credits are allotted to discipline-specific core courses, leaving limited room for interdisciplinary exploration.
• Opposition-ruled states have criticised the framework, alleging attempts at “saffronisation.”
• The challenge lies in balancing respect for indigenous traditions with ensuring global competitiveness and academic rigour in higher education.

Significance of the Draft Curriculum

• The draft curriculum signals a paradigm shift in India’s educational philosophy. By embedding Indian Knowledge Systems into mainstream education, UGC seeks to:

• Decolonise curricula and promote indigenous heritage.
• Provide culturally rooted yet globally relevant education.
• Encourage ethical and sustainable practices in professional fields.
• Revive the historical contributions of India to mathematics, economics, medicine, and governance.

Future Outlook

• With feedback from stakeholders invited, the framework could undergo revisions before implementation.
• If adopted, this LOCF could redefine the intellectual foundation of Indian higher education, making it more rooted in cultural heritage while aligning with global standards.
• However, the challenge will be ensuring that ancient wisdom complements rather than replaces scientific temper, critical thinking, and multidisciplinary inquiry.