REVIVING THE BHARATIYA ACHARYA PARAMPARA: ANALYZING THE RELEVANCE AND INTEGRATION OF INDIAN PEDAGOGICAL TRADITIONS IN CONTEMPORARY TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAMS

The Bharatiya Acharya Parampara, rooted in India’s ancient educational philosophy, epitomizes holistic development, experiential learning, and value-based pedagogy. This tradition, exemplified by the Gurukul system, emphasizes the teacher (Acharya) as a mentor guiding students toward ethical, intellectual, and spiritual growth. In today’s rapidly globalizing education landscape, there is a pressing need to revisit these timeless principles and evaluate their applicability to modern teacher education programs. This study delves into the historical evolution of the Acharya Parampara, its pedagogical framework, and its potential to address gaps in contemporary education, particularly in fostering moral and ethical values. Aligned with the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, this study advocates for the integration of Indian knowledge systems and ancient pedagogical practices into modern teacher training curricula. The research highlights key challenges, including curriculum standardization, lack of teacher training, and resistance due to Western influences, while proposing actionable strategies such as curriculum reforms, specialized teacher training programs, and community-driven initiatives. The findings underscore the relevance of culturally grounded and learner-centered education models in nurturing holistic development. A revived Bharatiya Acharya Parampara offers transformative potential to bridge the moral, cultural, and intellectual deficits of the current system, ensuring an education that is both globally relevant and deeply rooted in Indian ethos.