This chapter critically explores the evolution of education in India, prioritizing sustainability and inclusivity for societal advancement. Rooted in the traditional गुरु-शिष्य परम्परा (Guru-Shishya parampara), it navigates the system's achievements and critiques, addressing inclusion challenges in rural areas and the environmental impact of traditional teaching methods. Drawing from Amartya Sen's capabilities approach, the chapter establishes a theoretical framework aligning with sustainability and inclusion goals. Examining current trends, such as digital transformation and inclusive curricula, the analysis aligns with the NEP 2020. The chapter proposes policy interventions, showcasing case studies to exemplify effective initiatives within India's education system. Leveraging global perspectives, it aims to enhance the educational environment by acknowledging local intricacies. The objective is to contribute to the discourse on India's education future, providing a roadmap for transformative change prioritizing sustainability, inclusivity, and societal progress.
Top1. Introduction
Education is the fundamental basis for social advancement since it can influence and mould a nation's cultural, intellectual, and economic environment. In India, a nation known for its rich cultural variety and large population, the development of education is influenced by a complex combination of historical traditions and current needs. The traditional paradigm of education, which has its origins in ancient customs and has been later modified to meet the needs of a modernising society, is presently experiencing a significant and fundamental change. The movement is driven by an increasing acknowledgement of the constraints of the current system, with a specific focus on the vital elements of sustainability and inclusion. The education system in India has been shaped by the traditional Guru-Shishya Parampara, which involves personalised mentor-disciple relationships for imparting knowledge. This method, integrally integrated into the socio-cultural framework, emphasised not just academic acquisition but also comprehensive growth. Nevertheless, as India saw many periods of socio-economic and political transformations, the education system adapted to satisfy the needs of a swiftly industrialising nation.
In navigating the intricate landscape of the Indian educational system, our primary goal is to contribute to a comprehensive understanding of its future direction, grounded in sustainability and inclusion. Recognizing the multifaceted challenges faced by the present educational system is crucial, as these challenges not only inform but propel the transformative path we aspire to undertake. Among these challenges, the most pivotal is related to accessibility, especially within the context of the digital divide that creates a discernible gap in educational opportunities between urban and rural areas. The presence of socio-economic inequality exacerbates these problems, perpetuating disparities in both the accessibility and outcomes of education. Conventional teaching methods, with their significant environmental impact, particularly in terms of depleting resources and causing pollution, have become major areas of concern. These challenges have been extensively recognized and discussed within the academic community, providing the foundation for our critical examination. Drawing upon the profound insights of Amartya Sen, a distinguished Nobel laureate in economics renowned for his extensive contributions to the understanding of education and its role in societal advancement, we aim to lay a sturdy groundwork for our analysis (Sen, 2001). Sen's pivotal “Development as Freedom” offers a distinct capabilities approach, emphasizing the prioritization of augmenting individuals' capabilities to enable them to lead lives of intrinsic value. This philosophical foundation seamlessly aligns with the overarching aspirations of sustainability and inclusion within the realm of education. Guided by this profound framework, our exploration is poised to uncover potential solutions and innovative approaches tailored to the nuances of the Indian education system.