“A Comparative Theoretical Review of Indian and Western Educational Philosophers: Tracing Their Impact on Contemporary Pedagogy"

This comparative theoretical review explores the foundational educational philosophies of prominent Indian and Western thinkers, tracing their profound impact on contemporary pedagogy. Historically, Indian educational thought, championed by figures like Swami Vivekananda, Mahatma Gandhi, and Rabindranath Tagore, emphasized holistic development, spiritual growth, character formation, and community responsibility, often rooted in the Guru-Shishya tradition. In contrast, Western educational philosophy, influenced by John Dewey, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and Plato, prioritized reason, critical thinking, individual autonomy, and scientific inquiry. Despite their distinct cultural and historical origins, both traditions offer invaluable insights for modern education. This study addresses a significant research gap by offering a comprehensive, side-by-side analysis of these philosophies, moving beyond singular focus on either tradition. Utilizing a qualitative, secondary data-based approach with a theoretical and documentary review design, the research employs Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) to examine core educational principles such as self-realization, holistic learning, critical thinking, and individual autonomy. The review reveals how these diverse philosophical roots have shaped current teaching methods, learning processes, and educational goals globally. It highlights a growing convergence in contemporary pedagogy, with initiatives like India's National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 integrating both value-based and skill-based learning. This synthesis results in hybrid educational systems that foster cultural inclusivity, student-centered learning, and educational equity. Ultimately, this research underscores the timeless relevance of both Indian and Western philosophical wisdom in creating more effective, meaningful and humanistic education systems for the 21st century.