Reviving Indigenous Knowledge: NEP 2020 and the Road to Integration

Abstract: The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 marks a transformative step toward reimagining India’s educational landscape by placing strong emphasis on the revival, preservation, and integration of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS). Rooted in India’s civilizational heritage, IKS encompasses a vast range of traditional wisdom- spanning philosophy, languages, health sciences, mathematics, ecology, arts and sustainable living practices. This paper explores how NEP 2020 creates institutional and curricular pathways for embedding indigenous knowledge within mainstream education while addressing the contemporary need for holistic and culturally grounded learning. The policy’s focus on multilingual education, experiential learning, vocational training and research-based pedagogy provides a fertile ground for incorporating traditional practices and community-based insights. However, practical implementation requires coordinated efforts including curriculum redesign, teacher training, resource development, technology integration and collaboration with knowledge-holding communities. The paper examines these practical considerations and highlights models of successful integration emerging across educational institutions. Moreover, it discusses challenges such as resource constraints, lack of standardised materials and the risk of superficial inclusion, which may dilute the academic value of indigenous knowledge. Ultimately, this study argues that meaningful integration of IKS under NEP 2020 not only revitalises India’s intellectual legacy but also promotes sustainable development, cultural identity and inclusive education. By bridging traditional wisdom with modern academic frameworks, NEP 2020 paves the way for a holistic educational renaissance that aligns with global trends in knowledge diversification and cultural resurgence.