FROM GURUKUL TO GLOBAL: NEP 2020 AND NCF-SE 2023 AS CONTEMPORARY MANIFESTATIONS OF INDIA’S EDUCATIONAL LEGACY

Abstract

India’s educational landscape has been shaped by its rich historical and philosophical traditions. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023 represent pivotal reforms aimed at modernizing Indian education while retaining its foundational values. These policies emphasize holistic, multidisciplinary learning and ethical development while promoting inclusivity and technological integration. This paper examines the historical continuum from ancient Gurukul systems to contemporary educational reforms, analyzing how NEP 2020 and NCF-SE 2023 embody India’s legacy of holistic learning. By situating these reforms within the context of ancient Indian educational principles, this paper explores their potential to foster equitable, inclusive, and future-ready learning environments while addressing implementation challenges and opportunities.