How the National Education Policy 2020 can help India become a developed nation by 2047. Our teachers and educationists need to delve deep into the NEP 2020.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) made a significant projection on December 4 – that the country will become a $5-trillion economy with the third largest GDP by 2027-28. This milestone will be achieved within the transformative years of the Amrit Kaal, but for the Amrit Kaal (2022-47) to succeed, we need to sharpen our focus on education now.
The National Education Policy 2020 offers a transformative curriculum, an educational framework that can weave together the five fundamental principles (Panchpran) of the Amrit Kaal, and help India emerge as a developed nation as it celebrates 100 years of Independence in 2047.
Vision 2047
At the heart of the Amrit Kaal’s educational vision lies the imperative for economic growth. It delves into economic milestones and projections, placing education, healthcare and infrastructure at the forefront. It challenges students to articulate their ideas, fostering a sense of ownership in shaping India’s future as a developed nation. A robust and diversified economy, elevated Human Development Index, extended life expectancy, and cutting-edge technological infrastructure can ensure the realisation of this vision. The NEP 2020 (p,3) envisions that, with the rapidly changing employment landscape and global ecosystem, students must learn how to learn and adapt.
New mindset
The NEP 2020 (p,6) envisions that the curriculum must develop a deep sense of respect towards fundamental duties and Constitutional values, fostering a connection with Indian ethos. This unit explores how a liberated, post-colonial mindset can contribute to India’s prominence on the world stage. India’s leadership role in the G20, International Solar Alliance, COP28, Vaccine Maitri, and reaching out to stressed geographies through relief operations and peacekeeping can form references for classroom discussions.
Unity in diversity
The NEP 2020 (22.12) celebrates India’s rich cultural tapestry, and articulates how, through collaborative projects, students can showcase unity in diversity, emphasising the importance of cultural harmony. This unit not only instils a sense of pride, but also prepares students for a future where diversity is the driving force. Knowledge of the rich diversity of India should be imbibed first-hand by learners. Under ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’, 100 tourist destinations have been identified where students can visit and augment their knowledge about history, tradition, indigenous literature and scientific contributions.
Good citizenship and SDGs
The NEP 2020 (11.8) explores the potential of technology in fostering civic engagement and environmental stewardship, instilling a sense of responsibility amongst students. This unit envisions that as the world becomes increasingly interconnected, Global Citizenship Education (GCED), a response to contemporary global challenges, will be provided to empower learners to become aware of and understand global issues, and to become active promoters of a more peaceful, tolerant, inclusive, secure and sustainable society.
Embracing digital age
The NEP 2020 (22.1) notes that India is a treasure trove of culture, developed over thousands of years and manifested in the form of arts, literature, customs, traditions, linguistic expressions, artefacts, heritage sites, and more. Utilising technology as a tool, this unit encourages students to explore and share their cultural heritage.
Subjects such as language, arts, natural science, mathematics and social sciences seamlessly integrate into the curriculum for the Amrit Kaal. Literary exploration nurtures cultural pride, while statistical analysis appreciates and showcases the statistical significance of diversity. If our teachers and educationists delve deep into the NEP 2020, they will find that the policy is a treasure trove, and can help contribute to the realisation of a developed and progressive India by 2047.
The author is a Global Peace Fellow in Education at the Global Peace Foundation, USA. Views are personal.
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The article was first published in Financial Express. Dec 2023. Reproduced with kind permission. Link: https://www.financialexpress.com/jobs-career/education-2022-47-a-curriculum-for-the-amrit-kaal-3334920/