India Can Learn from US Higher Education

The recent curriculum revision reflects a considered effort to align education with India’s cultural and historical context. I commend the Government for this thoughtful revision of the syllabus, ensuring greater representation of India’s cultural heritage and freedom movements in academic learning. By strengthening the focus on Indian mythology, heritage, and freedom struggles, the initiative encourages students to develop a well-rounded understanding of the nation’s identity and the foundations of its independence. Such reforms play a meaningful role in shaping responsible and aware future citizens. Key Changes & Rationale: •Content Reduction: Significant cuts in dates, wars, and detailed historical accounts, especially concerning medieval Muslim rulers (Mughals, Delhi Sultanate). •Focus Shift: Increased emphasis on Vedic literature, ancient Indian texts (Vedas, Upanishads), and indigenous knowledge systems, with less focus on secular/inclusive texts like Arthashastra. •Integrated Learning: Combining history with geography, economics, and culture for a more holistic social science approach. •Pedagogy: Moving towards interactive, visual learning rather than extensive text. •Official Reason: NCERT stated these changes were to rationalize textbooks and reduce student burden post-COVID. #EducationPolicy #CurriculumDevelopment #IndianHistory #NationBuilding #NCERT #GOI #LeadershipQuality

India’s higher education market is entering a new phase. As foreign universities establish a presence on Indian soil, the economics of a global degree are being fundamentally reworked. What was once about outbound mobility is now about domestic competition, pricing power, and academic credibility. Read the full analysis: https://lnkd.in/gFriwhnr

I am happy to share our recent research paper, co-authored with Bipasha Das and #Prof_Alok_Gardia, published in the Journal of International Students (#Scopus_Q2). In this study, we examine how international students in India navigate cultural transitions, perceived social support, and academic adjustment. By combining qualitative insights with quantitative meditation analysis, our findings show that while perceived social support plays a crucial role in academic adjustment, self-reliance emerges as a powerful pathway to resilience when formal or informal support systems are constrained. Link: https://lnkd.in/gGJ9jqca #HigherEducation #InternationalStudents #AcademicAdustment #SelfResilience

Bhagavad Gita verses may soon resonate in classrooms across India 📖🚩 In a significant cultural and educational move, the government led by Narendra Modi is considering introducing the Bhagavad Gita as a compulsory or supplementary subject for students from Classes 6 to 10. The proposal aligns with the National Education Policy 2020, which places strong emphasis on integrating Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) into modern education. The objective is clear: to nurture ethics, a sense of duty (Svadharma), clarity of thought, and sound decision-making among young learners. Through Arjuna’s moral dilemma and Krishna’s timeless guidance, students would engage with practical life lessons—handling pressure, choosing responsibility over fear, and acting with balance during conflict. Ujjwal India View This initiative is positioned not as religious instruction, but as character formation. The Bhagavad Gita is presented as a life-management framework, emphasizing universal values such as discipline, courage, emotional regulation, leadership, and Nishkama Karma—selfless action without attachment to outcomes. At a time when students face rising stress and uncertainty, India is looking inward for strength—drawing on civilizational wisdom to complement contemporary learning. Teachers would go beyond textbooks to cultivate emotional intelligence, ethical leadership, and inner resilience, preparing students for challenges beyond examinations. The India of 2026 appears to be reclaiming its roots—modern in outlook, yet grounded in timeless values. #pmmodi #linkedin #bhagavadgita #education #ncert #indianeducation

India has consecutively rejected participation in PISA and TIMSS five times. India Higher Education - 😮 India School Education - 🤡 69th in 71 countries in 2009 PISA 46th in 51 countries in 2003 TIMSS The 2003 TIMSS study ranked India at 46th among 51 countries. The Indian students' score was 392, versus an average of 467 for the group. Harvard University report titled "India Shining and Bharat Drowning".

Bhagavad Gita verses may soon resonate in classrooms across India 📖🚩 In a significant cultural and educational move, the government led by Narendra Modi is considering introducing the Bhagavad Gita as a compulsory or supplementary subject for students from Classes 6 to 10. The proposal aligns with the National Education Policy 2020, which places strong emphasis on integrating Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) into modern education. The objective is clear: to nurture ethics, a sense of duty (Svadharma), clarity of thought, and sound decision-making among young learners. Through Arjuna’s moral dilemma and Krishna’s timeless guidance, students would engage with practical life lessons—handling pressure, choosing responsibility over fear, and acting with balance during conflict. Ujjwal India View This initiative is positioned not as religious instruction, but as character formation. The Bhagavad Gita is presented as a life-management framework, emphasizing universal values such as discipline, courage, emotional regulation, leadership, and Nishkama Karma—selfless action without attachment to outcomes. At a time when students face rising stress and uncertainty, India is looking inward for strength—drawing on civilizational wisdom to complement contemporary learning. Teachers would go beyond textbooks to cultivate emotional intelligence, ethical leadership, and inner resilience, preparing students for challenges beyond examinations. The India of 2026 appears to be reclaiming its roots—modern in outlook, yet grounded in timeless values.

Given below are the links to two articles which appeared in The Hindu today (Jan 02, 2026) by some strange coincidence! The first one, though a bit lengthy, is an interesting read as it highlights some fundamental issues about higher education in India. It may be behind a pay wall, but can still be read by a no-payment sign-up. The second one proposes one of the possible, but outrageous solution for the issues highlighted in the first one! https://lnkd.in/diPFjkje https://lnkd.in/dcSjGRrH

Our Head of School - Saurabh Sehgal has authored an article in ET Edge titled “Why India Must Stop Confusing Memory with Education.” The piece highlights the need to move beyond rote learning toward conceptual understanding and real-world application. At our school, we believe the purpose of education is to build thinkers, not just test-takers. Read the article on ET Edge: https://lnkd.in/d6sKW_ac #ThoughtLeadership #ConceptualLearning #FutureReady

Title: Ancient Indian Education System and the Crisis of Modern Vocabulary Content: India has been the epicenter of knowledge and civilization since ancient times. Our ancient education system was so advanced and world-class that scholars from across the seas traveled here to seek knowledge, staying for years to master various disciplines. The hallmark of that era was that students did not merely memorize what they were taught; instead, they internalized and applied it practically in their lives. They spread the wisdom gained here throughout the world, elevating the global standards of education. However, the situation today has become quite the opposite. The tradition of research-based and practical learning, which was once our legacy, has now been adopted by foreign nations. Consequently, our brightest young minds now head abroad for higher education and, unfortunately, often settle there permanently. If our youth were to return with their international expertise and technology, it could bring a monumental transformation to our nation. A major reason for the decline in our educational standards is the lack of 'linguistic understanding.' Whether a student is from a Hindi or English medium background, they are often just rote-learning words without grasping their true context and meaning. A single word can have multiple dimensions, and until we understand their correct usage, our education remains incomplete. My plea is that we must not limit education to mere memorization. We must strengthen our vocabulary and practical knowledge so that India can once again become the 'Vishwaguru' (Global Teacher). The Closing Message: "Unless education is reflected in our conduct and character, it remains nothing more than a burden of paperwork. We will truly become a 'Global Teacher' (Vishwaguru) only when our youth understands the true essence of their roots and language, using that knowledge for the betterment of the nation." Hashtags: #EducationSystem #AncientIndia #Vishwaguru #PracticalLearning #IndianHeritage #EducationReform #LinguisticWisdom #BrainDrainToBrainGain

Kachi Sadak Foundation presented its work at the 15th Annual International Comparative Education Society of India Conference(CESI) held in New Delhi. The theme centered on “Education, Public Sphere and Democracy: Exploring Trajectories and Possibilities.” Our teammates, Neha Kulshrestha and Reeya M. presented our paper- 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐲𝐬𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐄𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐲, 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐢𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬.The paper illuminated language barriers, socio-economic divides, and migration disruptions that hinder Foundational Literacy and Numeracy(FLN), and how our community-driven solutions are fostering equity. Platforms like CESI play an important role in nurturing reflective practice, listening, and co-creating knowledge. Kachi Sadak looks forward to continuing these conversations with educators, researchers, and practitioners committed to reimagining education from the ground up. #cesi #democracy #education #delhi #india #kachisadakfoundation