Hindu Frameworks of Education
What living models of traditional Hindu education still survive in India - and what do they demonstrate about the alternative to Western schooling? Field studies of surviving gurukulas, pathshalas, and vidyalayas documenting how Indian Knowledge Systems are transmitted in practice today.
India has continuity of traditions and institutions. That is why it is a living system. This stands as true in the field of education. Though mainstream education in India today might be a pale imitation of the West, its ancient institutions are still alive, albeit in a reduced form, as are the Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS). There are still gurukulas, pathshalas, vidyalayas, and agraharas which are run on ancient models, which are still functioning almost exactly like they were in ancient India. And there is still the vast knowledge of IKS - awaiting its induction into the education of all Indians.
The institutions keep alive customs, practices, and knowledge which are central to being Hindu. These institutions are neglected in most sociological studies. At Bodha, we will conduct detailed sociological field studies which aim to decode the worldview, lifestyle and structure of the most important Hindu institutions in the field of education. By presenting these case studies we also aim to mold and build models of experimental studies which are culture sensitive.
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