(GIST OF YOJANA) Indian Knowledge Systems Division

GIST OF YOJANA : Indian Knowledge Systems Division

India also has an extremely rich literature in other classical languages, including classical Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Odia. In addition to these classical languages— Pali, Persian, and Prakrit— and their works of literature, too, must he preserved for their richness and for the pleasure and enrichment of posterity.
As India becomes a fully developed country, the next generation will want to partake in and be enriched by India’s extensive and beautiful classical literature. In addition to Sanskrit, other classical languages and literatures of India, including Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Odia, Pali, Persian, and Prakrit, will also be widely available in schools as options for students, possibly as online modules, through experiential and innovative approaches to ensure that these languages and literature stay alive and vibrant.

A key advancement in the National Education Policy 2020 is its consistent focus on fostering ethical awareness and value-based learning throughout the education system. Given the swift technological advancements and the explosion of information technologies, the 2020 National Education Policy (NEP) underlines the critical necessity of not just skills and knowledge, but also of character development, ethical judgement, and civic duty.
Education is a vital instrument in cultivating compassionate, just, and socially conscious citizens who demonstrate intellectual competence and ethical responsiveness within a diverse and pluralistic society. Within this framework, Sanskrit literature serves as a potent pedagogical tool.
The ethical insights, narrative depth, and cross-cultural significance of Sanskrit works, such as the Panchatantra, Jataka, and Hitopadesh, are broadly acknowledged, transcending their traditional roles as sources of linguistic elegance and classical scholarship. These narratives, which are grounded in Indian tradition, examine intricate moral questions, espouse empathy, and illustrate responsible social conduct for young audiences.

The resurgence of interest in Sanskrit within educational policy, a persistent structural challenge to its widespread adoption is the critical deficiency of adequately trained instructors.
For decades, Sanskrit teaching has suffered from neglect, often treated as an ancillary field with little institutional support or professional recognition. As a result, Sanskrit educators have lacked access to comprehensive pedagogical training, and the field itself has struggled with issues of academic marginalisation and social perception.
NEP 2020 directly addresses this shortcoming via a proposed comprehensive restructuring of teacher education. As NEP 2020 outlines: “Sanskrit teachers in large numbers will be
professionalised through the offering of 4-year integrated multidisciplinary B Ed (Bachelor of Education] dual degrees in education and Sanskrit,” (NEP, p. 55].
This initiative does more than just address a logistical shortfall; it ensures that Sanskrit instructors are trained in contemporary educational methodologies, including digital literacy, classroom management, inclusive education, and interdisciplinary integration.
Furthermore, the four-year multidisciplinary format reflects NEP’s broader vision of holistic education where subject mastery and pedagogical skill go hand in hand.

NEP 2020's vision for Sanskrit is ambitious,yet the practical implementation of this agenda will undoubtedly encounter various challenges requiring innovative solutions and careful management to ensure success.
The absence of standardised curricula, coupled with the social stigma associated with classical studies and the inadequate resourcing of rural schools, presents a significant challenge.
Notwithstanding, the systematic nature of the policy—encompassing curriculum reform, teacher training, technology integration, and institutional restructuring— is promising. The policy’s comprehensive approach to education ensures that Sanskrit transcends its traditional liturgical and elite contexts, becoming an integral component of India’s contemporary intellectual landscape.

Sanskrit’s resurgence in NEP2020 is neither symbolic nor superficial; it is structural and transformative. Recognising Sanskrit's importance in unlocking India's rich intellectual legacy, the policy outlines concrete steps to promote its resurgence throughout the education system. By weaving Sanskrit into the national fabric of education, NEP 2020 helps India chart a path where ancient wisdom and modern vision coalesce—where learners become not just professionals, but conscious citizens and seekers of truth.