राष्ट्रीय शिक्षा नीति 2020: शिक्षा, समाज, संस्कृति एवं पर्यावरण
Authors not available"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." - Nelson Mandela
Since ancient times, the Indian education system has been the foundation of the holistic development of human life. Here, education has been viewed not merely as a medium of acquiring knowledge, but as a process of the intellectual, moral, cultural, and spiritual development of an individual. In the context of contemporary global changes, technological advancements, social needs, and environmental challenges, the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, presented by the Government of India, is a historic and visionary document that provides a new direction to the Indian education system. This policy presents a vision to make education more inclusive, multidisciplinary, flexible, skill-oriented, and value-based.
Mahatma Gandhi's thought—"Education does not mean mere literacy, but the harmonious development of body, mind, and spirit"—reflects the core spirit of the National Education Policy 2020. This policy accords special significance to the Indian knowledge tradition, mother tongue-based education, research and innovation, digital education, moral values, and self-reliance. Through this, an endeavor has been made to connect education with social responsibility, human sensitivities, and national development, rather than viewing it merely as a means to secure employment.
The present edited book, "National Education Policy 2020: Education, Society, Culture, and Environment," has been prepared keeping this comprehensive perspective at its core. This book presents a serious and profound academic discourse on diverse subjects such as the universalization of education, inclusive education, value-based teaching, teacher training, skill development, the digital divide, women empowerment, environmental education, climate change, Indian culture and knowledge tradition, social justice, and the role of education in building a self-reliant India.
Rabindranath Tagore's statement appears highly relevant here—"The highest education is that which does not merely give us information but makes our life in harmony with all existence." Adopting this harmonious vision, the new education policy endeavors to establish a balance between Indianness and globalism. This policy emphasizes the development of creativity, critical thinking, morality, and sensitivity among students, enabling them to successfully face future challenges.
Today, when the education system is facing numerous social, cultural, and economic challenges, the National Education Policy 2020 presents a new hope and a path for transformation. Acknowledging education as a powerful medium for society and nation-building, this policy advances the objectives of equality, quality, innovation, and sustainable development. The research papers and articles compiled in this book present deep reflections on these diverse dimensions and will inspire new discourses in the field of education.
It is hoped that this book will prove to be a useful reference material for educationists, researchers, professors, policymakers, and students, and will play a significant role in understanding the objectives, challenges, and possibilities of the National Education Policy 2020. This work will make a meaningful contribution towards understanding the interrelationships among education, society, culture, and environment, and towards building an egalitarian, sensitive, and knowledge-rich India. With this vision, we dedicate "National Education Policy 2020: Education, Society, Culture, and Environment" to the holy feet of the Almighty.