– Dr Sanjeev Vidyarthi, Provost, Anant National University
India is witnessing a growing shift towards celebrating its regional diversity and indigenous wisdom while moving beyond the historical dominance of Western frameworks. As the nation pursues the vision of Viksit Bharat, this renewed confidence must extend to rebuilding higher education institutions that are deeply rooted in Indian values yet globally relevant.
From this perspective, the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 stands as a transformative milestone. It promotes contextual, flexible, and interdisciplinary learning, placing the student experience at the centre. By encouraging innovation, inclusivity, and demand-driven education, NEP 2020 aims to create a generation capable of driving India’s sustainable development.
For such education to take meaningful shape, the integration of community engagement, Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS), sustainability, and climate change into curricula is crucial. Community immersion fosters empathy and a grounded understanding of local realities, while IKS connects students to a deep reservoir of traditional sustainability and resilience practices. Together, these approaches prepare learners to respond creatively and responsibly to today’s pressing global challenges.
As climate change intensifies, it is vital to embed sustainability into every aspect of learning and practice. Urban design and architecture, in particular, must play a pivotal role in developing climate-resilient cities and communities. Higher education institutions have a responsibility to cultivate professionals who are both technically skilled and socially conscious—capable of designing sustainable urban environments that harmonise people and nature.
This is an opportune moment for India’s universities to embrace the NEP’s ethos of flexibility, interdisciplinarity, and contextual learning. By doing so, they will not only advance the national mission of Viksit Bharat but also equip future generations to build a more sustainable and equitable world.
Also Read: Curriculum vs. Creativity: Is Rote Learning Inhibiting Innovation in Indian Classrooms?
