India's Higher Education Department Integrates Indigenous Knowledge Systems into Governance Frameworks
Original framing: “Higher Education Department Hosts IKS Dialogue to Drive Future-Ready Governance” — bing news
Indigenous communities in India, such as the Adivasi, have long maintained knowledge systems that are holistic, context-specific, and deeply rooted in ecological sustainability. Their participation in policy design is essential to ensure that IKS are not merely tokenized but actively integrated into governance.
The integration of Indigenous Knowledge Systems into Indian governance represents a systemic shift toward decolonizing education and policy-making.
However, this initiative must go beyond symbolic inclusion to address the structural power imbalances that have historically excluded Indigenous voices. Drawing on global models like New Zealand’s Treaty-based frameworks, India can create a governance model that respects Indigenous sovereignty over knowledge. This requires not only institutional reforms but also a cultural shift toward valuing diverse epistemologies. By centering Indigenous communities in the design and implementation of IKS policies, India can foster a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future.