Abstract

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 marks a historic milestone in India’s educational trajectory by systematically embedding the Indian Knowledge System (IKS) into mainstream curricula, moving away from a purely Eurocentric academic model. This paper explores the strategic role of IKS under the NEP 2020 framework as a cornerstone for building a progressive, self-reliant (Atmanirbhar) society. By reintegrating classical Indian contributions to mathematics, metallurgy, environmental ethics, sustainable agriculture, and holistic medicine into modern pedagogy, the policy aims to restore civilizational pride while answering contemporary global crises. Far from being a nostalgic retreat into antiquity, the integration of IKS serves as an epistemological tool to cultivate critical thinking, multilingualism, and sustainable living practices among students. This study analyzes the transformative potential of this framework in fostering grassroots innovation, ethical leadership, and local entrepreneurship. Furthermore, the paper addresses key institutional mandates required for implementation, such as producing high-quality bilingual textbooks, training school and university faculties, and standardizing interdisciplinary research methodologies. Ultimately, the paper argues that synthesizing time-tested indigenous wisdom with modern technological advancement is essential to nurturing globally competitive citizens who are deeply anchored in their cultural heritage and capable of driving self-reliant national progress.