INDIAN KNOWLEDGE SYSTEM IN NEP-2020: A NEW ERA OF SANSKRIT STUDY

Abstract

The Indian Knowledge System (IKS) is one of the oldest and most profound intellectual traditions. It was rooted in the Vedic system. The IKS has significantly influenced Indian civilization and its wisdom. The heart of IKS lies in Sanskrit language and literature. Sanskrit acts as an intellectual and cultural medium through which knowledge was codified, preserved, and transmitted across generations. From the fields of philosophy, linguistics, and logic to mathematics, medicine, and astronomy, Sanskrit served as the foundation for a holistic understanding of the universe and human existence. In the twenty-first century, the study of Sanskrit offers immense scope for discovering and rediscovering India's intellectual heritage and also contributing to global knowledge systems. With the rise of interdisciplinary research, Sanskrit texts are increasingly recognized as repositories of scientific and cultural wisdom. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has emphasized the integration of Sanskrit language into mainstream education, further expanding its pivoting role in higher studies, research, and innovative applications. This paper critically explores the scope of Sanskrit study within the framework of the NEP-2020 with special reference to the IKS.