In a groundbreaking move to weave India’s rich cultural heritage into modern education, Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood announced on Monday that government school teachers will undergo specialized training in Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS). The program, set to launch in September 2025, will be conducted at the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, and Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

The initiative aims to equip educators with a deep understanding of India’s traditional knowledge, encompassing philosophy, Sanskrit, ancient texts like the Vedas and Upanishads, as well as practical disciplines such as Ayurveda, Yoga, arts, and sciences. “This is about reconnecting our students with their roots while enriching their education,” Sood said, emphasizing the program’s goal to bridge the gap between contemporary learning and India’s intellectual legacy.

In its initial phase, 50 government school teachers will be selected and divided into batches of five for immersive five-to-seven-day training sessions. The curriculum, designed in collaboration with IIT-Mandi and IIT-Gandhinagar, will include interactive workshops, lectures by IKS scholars, and hands-on sessions to ensure teachers can effectively integrate these concepts into their classrooms.

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Sood highlighted that the program responds to growing calls for education systems to reflect India’s cultural identity. “Our teachers will inspire students to take pride in our heritage while fostering critical thinking,” he said. The initiative has already sparked enthusiasm among educators, with many expressing eagerness to explore subjects like Vedic mathematics and traditional ecological knowledge.

However, some educationists have raised concerns about the program’s implementation, urging the government to ensure it doesn’t overshadow core academic subjects like science and mathematics. Others see it as a bold step toward decolonizing education. “This could redefine how we teach, making learning more holistic,” said Dr. Anjali Sharma, an education policy expert.

The Delhi government plans to expand the program to more teachers in subsequent phases, with long-term goals of incorporating IKS modules into the school curriculum. Parent groups have welcomed the move, citing its potential to instill cultural pride in students. As the September rollout nears, all eyes are on how this ambitious initiative will shape Delhi’s classrooms.

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