Craft Centric Learning: A Model Approach to Integrate IKS for Skill-Based Learning

Abstract

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is a landmark reform in India's education system, aimed at making education more holistic, flexible, multidisciplinary, and aligned with the needs of the 21st century. NEP also emphasizes the revival of the Indian Knowledge System (IKS) by integrating it into the curriculum from early schooling to Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), with a focus on skill-based learning. Presently, the revival of IKS system emphasises on imparting linguistic and textual studies with its core objective of disseminating indigenous knowledge. However, IKS encompasses a much broader range of disciplines such as traditional arts and crafts, that have many practical applications and that contributes significantly to holistic learning, skill development and equips students with entrepreneurial and vocational skills. However, there’s a risk that craft-based learning could become tokenistic if not properly embedded into the curriculum. While reviving traditional knowledge, there should also be a focus on how these skills and crafts are adapted and innovated for modern markets and not be limited to extracurricular activities To understand and bridge gaps in reviving arts and crafts through lens of NEP 2020 and IKS, this study inquires into the design pedagogy of institution across India, with a special emphasis on craft centric teaching-learning methods for imparting traditional knowledge system for skill enhancement. The research culminates with recommendations that align with 2014’s “Make in India” and 2024’s “Design in India, design for world” initiatives for future preservation of arts and crafts.