Indian Knowledge System in the Era of Modern Education: Relevance, Challenges, and Opportunities

The Indian Knowledge System (IKS) represents a vast and holistic tradition of learning that has evolved over centuries, encompassing philosophy, science, medicine, ethics, ecology, and education. In the contemporary era, modern education has become increasingly global, technology-driven, and skill-oriented, often emphasizing specialization and employability over value-based and holistic learning. This article examines the relevance of the Indian Knowledge System in the era of modern education, highlighting the need to revisit indigenous knowledge traditions to address emerging educational, social, and ethical challenges. The study explores the conceptual foundations of IKS, its alignment with holistic and experiential learning, and its potential contribution to sustainable development, ethical reasoning, and cultural continuity. It further analyses the areas where IKS can be effectively integrated with modern education, including curriculum design, pedagogy, research, and policy initiatives. The article also discusses key challenges in integration, such as academic perception, institutional constraints, and lack of trained faculty, while identifying opportunities for revitalization through digitalization, interdisciplinary research, and educational reforms. The study concludes that a balanced synthesis of Indian Knowledge System and modern education can create an inclusive, culturally rooted, and globally relevant educational framework capable of meeting the demands of the twenty-first century.