RELEVANCE OF INDIAN KNOWLEDGE SYSTEM IN THE PRESENT SCENARIO

Abstract

In the contemporary global context marked by rapid technological advancement, cultural homogenization, environmental crises, and ethical challenges, the relevance of indigenous and traditional knowledge systems has gained renewed academic and policy-oriented attention. The Indian Knowledge System (IKS), rooted in millennia of civilizational experience, represents a holistic and integrative framework encompassing philosophy, education, science, health, ecology, ethics, and governance. This chapter examines the relevance of IKS in the present scenario by exploring its conceptual foundations, epistemological diversity, and practical applications across multiple domains. It highlights the significance of IKS in contemporary education through its emphasis on holistic development, experiential learning, and value-based pedagogy, as reflected in traditional practices such as the Gurukula system and reinforced by the National Education Policy 2020. The chapter further discusses the scientific temper embedded in Indian traditions, particularly in fields such as mathematics, Āyurveda, and Yoga, and underscores their relevance in addressing modern health and well-being concerns. Additionally, the ecological wisdom and ethical frameworks of IKS are analysed in relation to sustainable development, environmental conservation, and moral leadership. Overall, the study argues that the Indian Knowledge System offers valuable insights for holistic education, ethical governance, and sustainable futures in the twenty-first century.