Page 6 - Guidelines for Training/ Orientation of Faculty on IKS
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BaCkGroUNd
With a view to make people familiar with the rich cultural and intellectual heritage of India in the
backdrop of a comprehensive perspective of National Education Policy-2020 and on the occasion of the
celebration of Amrit Mahotsava of Indian Independence, an initiative namely “Let’s know India” (Aao
Bharat ko Jane) has been launched.
Our Civilization is one of the most ancient civilizations in the world. It is a universally acknowledged fact
that Indians have made a remarkably great contribution to every sphere of knowledge. Our universities of
the ancient period like Takshashila, Nalanda, Vikramshila, Vallabhi, etc were internationally recognized
centres of learning where students from across the world used to visit to get themselves equipped with
pedantry in various streams of knowledge. Now the instant scheme has been conceived by the University
Grants Commission to realign acquaintances from various countries worldwide with this Indian
Knowledge system and cultural heritage.
India’s cultural heritage is immensely proliferated and enriched. Its culture is unique and its elements
have remained intact for millenniums. This territory, the birthplace of various religions, is home
to celebrating several lovely and enchanting festivals. The Indian Knowledge system, Languages,
Scripts, Arts, Cultural-Philosophical-Religious-Mythological and literary articulations, Architecture
and Artifacts, Unique system of Yoga and wellness evolved in India are the points of attraction for
people from across the world. Several popular forms of music and dance like Bharat Natyam, Odissi,
Kathak, etc are also attributed to Indian soil. Hindustani Music and Carnatic music are two main
streams of Indian classical music that are well known. India’s widely recognised folk dances include
Bhangra of Punjab; Bihu of Assam; Jhumar and Domkach of Jharkhand; Chhau of Odisha; Ghoomar
of Rajasthan; Dandia and Garba of Gujarat; Yakshagana of Karnataka; Lavani of Maharashtra; Dekhni
of Goa etc. It has always been the interest of the global community to read the Indian literature, to
practise Indian music and Yoga, to inspire from Indian Philosophy, to get familiar with divergent and
multiple facets of the knowledge system, partaking in Indian festivals, and experiencing the essence of
Indian cultural and intellectual heritage. In view of the relevance of these very curiosities and interests,
such programmes are proposed to be introduced as an approach to acquaint the global community
with the Indian cultural and intellectual heritage.
TyPeS of ProGrammeS
There will be short term multi-tier credit based modular programme with multiple entry and exit based
on Indian heritage and culture to promote the interest of people from abroad to visit India. This includes
dissemination and imparting of knowledge of various dimensions of learning in the spheres of Universal
human values, Vedic Maths, Yoga, Ayurveda, Sanskrit, Indian Languages, sacrosanct religious regions
located in the Indian subcontinent, Archaeological sites and monuments, Heritage of India, Indian
Literature, Indian Sculpture, Indian Music and dance forms, Drama, Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Crafts
and Craftsmanship, Inscription, rituals, cultural heritage and Indian Knowledge system, etc. Based on the
degree of learning outcomes and the rigour of the curricular structure of relevant disciplines, the course
can be offered at three distinct levels: (1) Introductory level (2) Intermediate level, and (3) advanced
level.
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University Grants Commission