International Journal of Scientific Research and Engineering Development

Education is the fundamental pillar of any nation's intellectual and cultural upliftment. India's knowledge tradition, nurtured by global centers like Takshashila and Nalanda, has been one of the oldest and most prosperous systems in the world. In Indian thought, the meaning of 'knowledge' (Jnana) is not merely the accumulation of information, but a means of 'liberation' (Mukti) and 'self-realization' (Atmabodha). The motto "Sa Vidya Ya Vimuktaye" (Education is that which liberates) propounds this core philosophy of Indian education, where knowledge frees humanity from the shackles of ignorance and molds them into complete individuals. Unfortunately, during the colonial period, Macaulay's education system impacted this glorious tradition, causing the Indian education system to drift away from its foundational roots, relegating the country's ancient wisdom and self-pride to the margins. In the present era, the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is a bold attempt to rectify this historical error and reconnect Indian education with its cultural values. The Indian Knowledge System (IKS) is not merely a glorification of the past; rather, it is an integrated framework of science, mathematics, logic, and philosophy. Its greatest strength lies in its 'Epistemology' (Jnana Mimansa). While Western philosophy has primarily been based on materialistic and sensory experiences, Indian philosophy provided a structured form for the search for truth through Pramana Shastra (the science of valid knowledge). The 'Pramanas' (means of knowledge) Pratyaksha (perception), Anumana (inference), Upamana (comparison), and Shabda (testimony) propounded by Maharshi Gautama, the founder of Nyaya philosophy, remain remarkably close to the logical methods of modern scientific research. This ancient method cultivates 'curiosity' and 'logic' in the student instead of a tendency toward rote learning. The process of moving from 'doubt' (Samsaya) to 'resolution' (Samadhana) is the traditional form of the modern era's 'Critical Thinking.' IKS teaches that the investigation of truth is not limited to laboratories alone but is based on a profound harmony between logical analysis and experience. The inclusion of the Indian Knowledge System under NEP 2020 not only makes modern education more relevant but also provides it with a strong ethical and philosophical foundation. By bridging ancient wisdom with a modern scientific outlook, it lays the foundation for a futureoriented education model that ensures the holistic development of the student, while simultaneously making them a responsible citizen who is connected to their roots and capable of facing global challenges.

Satya Narayan Yadav, Shabhya Sohni, Falguni Panday,"An Analytical Study: Indian Knowledge System (IKS), Epistemology, and Ethics in NEP 2020" International Journal of Scientific Research and Engineering Development, V9(3): Page(1830-1836) May-June 2026. ISSN: 2581-7175. www.ijsred.com. Published by Scientific and Academic Research Publishing.