Revitalizing Higher Education through Indian Knowledge System (IKS): A Vision for NEP-2020

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 marks a transformative blueprint aimed at reshaping India's educational framework, with a particular emphasis on the integration of Indian Knowledge System (IKS) into the mainstream curriculum. The NEP-2020 envisions a holistic educational system that not only promotes academic excellence but also preserves, nurtures and balances India's rich cultural and intellectual heritage. The paper discusses how IKS, deeply embedded in India's diverse socio-cultural context, can contribute to the curriculum, research, and pedagogical practices, while also fostering global collaborations. Furthermore, it critically examines the challenges and opportunities that arise in embedding such knowledge into formal higher education landscape. The importance of decolonizing education, integrating local languages, and creating interdisciplinary learning environments is also highlighted. By reviewing various educational policies, scholarly works, and the potential impacts of IKS, the paper aims to present a road map for its effective implementation. The study concludes that the integration of Indian Knowledge System within NEP-2020 could lead to a more inclusive, sustainable, and culturally rooted education system, ultimately fostering national identity and social development. This paper provides insights into how India's knowledge can empower its higher education institutions and contribute to a more diverse global knowledge exchange.