In the era of artificial intelligence and global geopolitics, India has a unique opportunity to position itself as a hub of knowledge creation, rather than just knowledge processing. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is a step in the right direction, aiming to make India a global player in education.
By mainstreaming Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS), NEP 2020 integrates disciplines like Ayurveda, Nyaya logic, and Vedic mathematics into mainstream curricula. This approach enables Indian students to access world-class faculty and curricula without leaving their homeland. Additionally, promoting Indian languages as vehicles of higher learning fosters a glocal approach to research, making it locally anchored yet globally meaningful.
The policy also institutionalizes research beyond elite spaces through the National Research Foundation (NRF) and Research & Development Cells (RDCs) in thousands of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). This can lead to a more inclusive and innovative research ecosystem, driving growth and development in the country.
By combining international standards with Indic depth, Indian education can offer a unique model that is both globally competent and spiritually grounded. The emphasis on civic education and Global Citizenship Education (GCED) modules can produce graduates who are not only skilled but also self-aware and compassionate.
Initiatives like Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) and the startup culture in India can stimulate innovation and entrepreneurship, positioning the country as a global innovation hub. A proposed special fund of Rs 1 lakh crore can bolster research and innovation efforts across the country, supporting promising projects and startups.
International collaboration can facilitate knowledge exchange and foster a spirit of global understanding and cooperation. By prioritizing knowledge creation and innovation, India can thrive in the era of AI and global geopolitics, becoming a leader in the global knowledge economy.
