Abstract

In contemporary education, the growing emphasis on technological advancement, digital competence, and employability-oriented skills has significantly transformed teaching–learning processes. While these developments have enhanced efficiency and access to knowledge, they have also led to the relative marginalization of ethical, moral, and value-oriented dimensions of education. This imbalance has raised concerns regarding declining ethical sensitivity, social responsibility, and emotional well-being among learners. In response to these challenges, value-based education has emerged as a crucial pedagogical approach aimed at nurturing moral consciousness, ethical reasoning, empathy, and responsible citizenship. The Indian Knowledge System (IKS), deeply rooted in ancient Indian philosophical, cultural, and educational traditions, offers a holistic and integrative framework for value-based education. It emphasizes the harmonious development of the intellectual, moral, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of the learner. Drawing upon foundational concepts such as Dharma (righteous conduct), Karma (ethical action and accountability), Ahimsa (non-violence), and collective well-being, IKS situates education as a means of character formation and social harmony rather than mere acquisition of information or vocational skills. This paper examines the conceptual foundations of value-based education and critically explores its convergence with the Indian Knowledge System in the context of contemporary education. It further analyzes the relevance of IKS-based values in addressing present-day educational challenges, including ethical dilemmas, social fragmentation, and psychological stress among learners. Additionally, the paper discusses strategic approaches for the effective integration of IKS-oriented values into modern curricula through curriculum design, pedagogy, and institutional practices. The study ultimately highlights that value-based education grounded in Indian knowledge traditions can significantly contribute to holistic human development, ethical awareness, emotional well-being, and sustainable social progress in an increasingly complex and globalized world.