VEDIC EDUCATION: FORGING PATHWAYS TO SOCIAL JUSTICE AND GLOBAL RESPONSIBILITY IN THE 21ST CENTURY

Abstract

The ancient Vedic education system, developed in India around 1500–500 BCE, offers a holistic approach to learning, emphasizing intellectual, ethical, and spiritual growth. This paper explores how Vedic principles - such as Jnana (knowledge), Dharma (duty), and Sravana-Manana-Nididhyasana (listening, reflection, meditation) - can address contemporary educational challenges, including rote learning, student stress, and lack of ethical grounding. Through textual analysis of the Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita, alongside case studies of Vedic-inspired institutions, the study highlights applications in curriculum design, teacher training, and student well-being. It examines how these principles foster critical thinking, emotional resilience, and moral awareness, aligning with modern pedagogical goals. Challenges like cultural accessibility and relevance are addressed, advocating for critical adaptation to ensure inclusivity. This research underscores the potential of Vedic wisdom to transform modern education into a more balanced, value-driven system, preparing students for a complex global society.