DIGITALIZATION OF INDIAN KNOWLEDGE SYSTEM: NEP 2020 AND THE ROLE OF TECHNOLOGY IN PRESERVING INDIGENOUS WISDOM

Abstract

The Indian Knowledge System (IKS) represents the collective wisdom, philosophies, scientific temper, and cultural heritage that have evolved over millennia within India. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 envisions integrating this indigenous wisdom with modern technological advancements to nurture holistic, value-based, and multidisciplinary education. In an era driven by digital transformation, technology offers vast possibilities for documenting, preserving, and disseminating IKS globally. The digitalization of ancient manuscripts, traditional medicinal knowledge, regional art forms, linguistic diversity, and pedagogical traditions has become a strategic necessity to safeguard India’s cultural legacy. However, the process also presents challenges—ranging from authenticity verification and intellectual property rights to digital accessibility and cultural sensitivity. This paper explores how the objectives of NEP 2020 align with the digital preservation of IKS, analyses the role of technology in revitalizing indigenous learning systems, and examines ongoing national initiatives such as the National Digital Library of India (NDLI), Bharatiya Bhasha Mission, and Indian Knowledge System Division (AICTE). The study concludes that digitalization is not merely a technological intervention but a philosophical commitment to reconnect education with India’s civilizational roots while adapting to global knowledge ecosystems.