Transforming Preschools with Indian Knowledge Systems under NEP 2020

Aarav loved arranging pebbles and leaves in patterns on the garden floor. One day, his mother noticed him explaining why some leaves floated on water while others sank. She realized he was learning about cause and effect, observation, and problem-solving — all naturally, through play inspired by the age-old Indian wisdom.

The Indian Knowledge System (IKS) is officially a part of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, and its reshaping early childhood education across India.

For parents, teachers, and preschool educators, this is more than just a policy update, it’s an opportunity to create holistic, and culturally rooted learning experiences for children.

In this guide, we’ll explore:

• What the Indian Knowledge System is
  
• Why NEP 2020 emphasizes it
  
• How to integrate Indian Knowledge System into early education
  
• How an Indian Knowledge System-inspired preschool curriculum can benefit children
  
  

NEP 2020 and the Integration of Indian Knowledge Systems

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, approved in July 2020, made a historic shift by formally integrating the Indian Knowledge System (IKS) into the Indian education framework. It calls for embedding Indian Knowledge System across all levels of education—from preschool to higher education—through curriculum reform, teacher training, and research. The vision is not just to preserve heritage but to foster innovation, creativity, and holistic development by rooting learning in India’s timeless wisdom.

Timeline of Indian Knowledge System Integration

 

• 2020: NEP 2020 was approved, laying out the vision of integrating IKS across the education system.

 

• 2023: The UGC issued Guidelines for Incorporating Indian Knowledge in Higher Education Curricula, recommending that undergraduate and postgraduate students earn at least 5% of their total credits through Indian Knowledge System courses. At the same time, the Malaviya Mission – Teacher Training Programme was launched to train 15 lakh (1.5 million) faculty in higher education institutions, with IKS as one of the key focus areas.

 

• Ongoing: Implementation continues through teacher orientation, curriculum development, and the promotion of research and innovation in areas such as Ayurveda, yoga, environmental sustainability, and traditional arts.

How NEP 2020 Integrates Indian Knowledge System

 

• Curriculum Reform: Embedding Indian Knowledge System across subjects, including sciences, arts, languages, and philosophy, with credit courses in higher education.

 

• Holistic Development: Using Indian Knowledge System to nurture creativity, cultural pride, mindfulness, and sustainability in learners.

 

• Teacher Training: Training lakhs of teachers under the Malaviya Mission to integrate IKS effectively into classroom teaching.

 

• Research and Innovation: Encouraging authentic research into traditional systems of knowledge, while linking them with contemporary global challenges.

 

Why NEP 2020 Includes Indian Knowledge System

The NEP 2020 integrates the Indian Knowledge System because modern education often focuses too heavily on marks and exams. IKS brings holistic development to the forefront — intellectual, emotional, social, and physical.

Key reasons NEP 2020 promotes Indian Knowledge System:

• Rootedness & Cultural Identity → Children understand and take pride in their heritage
• Holistic Growth → Beyond academics: mindfulness, creativity, empathy, and wellness
  
• Experiential Learning → Hands-on, play-based, and joyful learning
  
• Global Relevance → Yoga, Ayurveda, and Indian arts are recognized and respected worldwide
  
  

For children aged 2–8, every small action is a learning opportunity. From stacking blocks and asking ‘why’ questions, to trying a new game or sharing a toy, these early years shape how they think, explore, and develop values that last a lifetime.

How Indian Knowledge System Connects with Early Childhood Education

Children are natural explorers. Indian Knowledge System fits perfectly into early education because it’s experiential, playful, and values-driven.

1. Panch Tattva Activities (Earth, Water, Fire, Air, Sky)

Children naturally explore the world around them through touch, play, and observation. Panch Tattva pedogogy help channel that curiosity into learning experiences that are both fun and meaningful.

• Earth (Prithvi): Clay play, gardening, tactile sensory activities
  
• Water (Jal): Floating/sinking experiments, pouring, sponge squeezing
  
• Fire (Agni): Shadow play, simple cooking demos, energy awareness games
  
• Air (Vayu): Bubble play, pinwheels, breath exercises
  
• Sky (Aakash): Stargazing, imagination-based play, musical storytelling
  
  

These activities develop fine motor skills, cognitive reasoning, and creativity naturally.

2. Storytelling from Epics & Folklore

Stories are one of the oldest ways humans learn about life, values, and emotions. Using Indian epics and folktales, children can explore ethical lessons, problem-solving, and imagination in a playful way. Stories from Panchatantra, Jataka tales, Ramayana, and Mahabharata teach values, empathy, and ethical decision-making while enhancing language and imagination.

3. Yoga & Mindfulness

Movement and mindfulness go hand in hand for young children. Simple yoga poses and breathing exercises help them develop focus, self-control, and emotional awareness from an early age.

• Short animal-inspired yoga poses
  
• Simple breathing exercises
  
• Mindful circle time with claps, chants, or rhythm exercises
  
  

These support focus, balance, self-regulation, and emotional intelligence.

4. Nature-Based Learning

Exploring the outdoors sparks curiosity and teaches children about the environment. Nature-based activities connect them to the world while nurturing problem-solving skills and sustainability awareness

• Seasonal observations, gardening, and exploring natural materials
  
• Encourages sustainability awareness, curiosity, and problem-solving skills
  
  

5. Vedic Maths as Play

Mathematics doesn’t have to be abstract or stressful. By turning numbers into games and patterns, children can develop logical reasoning and numerical intelligence in a playful, enjoyable way.

• Mental math games, pattern recognition, and playful problem-solving
  
• Builds numerical intelligence and logical reasoning without pressure
  
  

Practical Ways for Parents and Teachers to Apply Indian Knowledge System

Bringing the Indian Knowledge System into everyday learning doesn’t have to be complicated. Small, intentional activities at home or in the classroom can spark curiosity, build life skills, and make learning joyful. From a simple yoga routine in the morning to storytelling or hands-on experiments, both parents and teachers can help children experience the Indian Knowledge System in meaningful, practical ways.

For Parents at Home:

• 10-minute morning yoga sessions
  
• Story nights using Panchatantra, Jataka, or regional folk tales
  
• Ayurveda-inspired kitchen science: seasonal fruits, spices, and natural remedies
  
• Nature journals: drawing or observing plants, birds, and sky patterns
  
  

For Teachers in Classrooms:

• Circle time with shlokas, songs, or rhythmic claps
  
• Indian Knowledge System activity corners: clay (Earth), water experiments (Water), musical storytelling (Sky)
  
• Art & music sessions: folk, classical, tribal art
  
• Role-play stories to build empathy, teamwork, and problem-solving
  
  

Benefits of Indian Knowledge System-Inspired Early Learning

Integrating the Indian Knowledge System into early learning helps children grow in ways that go far beyond academics. By connecting lessons to culture, nature, and real-life experiences, children develop confidence, creativity, and critical thinking. Children who learn through an Indian Knowledge System framework:

• Develop cultural confidence and identity
  
• Build focus, creativity, and problem-solving skills
  
• Learn healthy lifestyle habits through Ayurveda and Yoga
  
• Grow emotionally intelligent and socially responsible
  
• Connect learning to life, not just exams

With these benefits in mind, it becomes clear that children don’t just gain knowledge from books, they gain life skills, values, and a sense of connection to their culture and surroundings. The next step is to bring this learning into a structured framework, which is where an IKS-inspired preschool curriculum can make a real difference, turning everyday experiences into meaningful, holistic education.

Introducing an India Knowledge System-Inspired Preschool Curriculum

Bringing the Indian Knowledge System into early learning becomes truly actionable with the right tools and guidance. At Greyy Elephant Learning Box, we’ve designed a system that helps educators and parents implement Indian Knowledge System principles seamlessly, whether at home or in the classroom.

• Yatha – Our Model School:
  Yatha serves as a live example of how Indian Knowledge System-inspired learning can transform early education. With hands-on activities, Panch Tattva experiences, and storytelling woven into daily routines, children experience a curriculum that is both holistic and joyful.
• Greyy Elephant Learning Boxes:
  Each learning box comes with day-wise activity plans, materials, and guidance aligned with IKS principles. From sensory activities to art, storytelling, and yoga, the boxes make experiential learning simple and engaging for every child.
  
• AI-Enabled Learning Management System:
  Our platform supports educators and parents alike, providing tracking, feedback, and guidance to ensure every child benefits from Indian Knowledge System-based learning. Whether you are a preschool teacher, a homeschooling parent, or a caregiver, the system helps plan, monitor, and enhance early learning experiences effectively.
  
  

With the combination of Yatha as a model school, Greyy Elephant Learning Boxes, and an AI-enabled platform, applying the Indian Knowledge System in early education becomes practical, structured, and enjoyable, making every day a meaningful learning journey for children.

Challenges & Misconceptions

While the Indian Knowledge System offers immense benefits for early learning, some parents and educators have concerns or misunderstandings about it. Let’s address the key ones:

• Not religious : Many people assume that the Indian Knowledge System is about teaching religion. In  reality, Indian Knowledge System focuses on culture, science, arts, values, and holistic learning. Activities inspired by Indian Knowledge System are about learning life skills, observation, and ethical reasoning, not religious practice. Children benefit from curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving, all rooted in cultural wisdom.
  
• Not outdated :Another common misconception is that the Indian Knowledge System belongs to the past and is irrelevant today. On the contrary, principles like mindfulness, sustainability, experiential learning, and holistic development are global trends in modern education — and they are deeply embedded in the Indian Knowledge System. By integrating these principles into early education, children gain 21st-century skills such as emotional intelligence, creativity, and environmental awareness, all while staying connected to their heritage.
  
• Implementation challenges: Some educators worry about how to practically implement the Indian Knowledge System in a busy classroom. This is where tools like Greyy Elephant Learning Boxes and AI-enabled learning management systems make a difference — providing structured, day-wise activities, guidance, and tracking, so  Indian Knowledge System principles can be applied consistently and effectively.
  
  

By understanding these challenges and misconceptions, parents and educators can confidently embrace the Indian Knowledge System in early learning, ensuring children receive the full benefits of holistic, culturally rooted education.

FAQs

Q1: What does NEP 2020 say about the Indian Knowledge System?
Schools should integrate yoga, Ayurveda, Panch Tattva, arts, and storytelling for holistic child development.

Q2: Can preschools adopt the Indian Knowledge System?
Yes! Activities like Panch Tattva play, storytelling, yoga, and arts can be adapted for ages 2–6. You can also choose Greyy Elephant Learning Box for the holistic development of your child

Q3: Is the Indian Knowledge System relevant for modern skills?
 Absolutely. It develops creativity, problem-solving, focus, emotional intelligence, and sustainability awareness, all essential 21st-century skills.

Final Thoughts

The Indian Knowledge System in NEP 2020 isn’t just about tradition — it’s a way to prepare children for life with the wisdom of the past.

Integrating Indian Knowledge System through Panch Tattva activities, storytelling, yoga, and Ayurveda-inspired routines ensures children grow curious, confident, and culturally grounded.

By adopting an Indian Knowledge System-inspired preschool curriculum, early learning becomes joyful, experiential, and holistic, aligning perfectly with NEP 2020.

Education is about raising children ready for the world while staying deeply connected to their roots.