By: SHUCHI SRIVASTAVA, RAHUL PATEL
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 presents a transformative vision for India’s educational landscape, emphasizing holistic, inclusive, and multidisciplinary learning rooted in Indian cultural values. This review paper critically examines the relevance and potential contributions of anthropology within the NEP 2020 framework. Drawing on a diverse range of literature, including ethnographic studies, policy documents, and theoretical works, the paper explores how anthropological perspectives – especially those centered on cultural diversity, indigenous knowledge systems, multilingualism, and social equity– align with the policy’s objectives. It highlights anthropology’s unique methodological strengths in contextual learning, cultural relativism, and participatory research, arguing that these can play a pivotal role in curriculum development, pedagogical innovation, and institutional reform. The paper also identifies key thematic intersections, such as Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS), inclusive education, and global-local integration. Ultimately, it advocates for the strategic integration of anthropological insights into policy implementation to create a culturally sensitive, equitable, and contextually relevant education system.
