International Journal of Social Science Research (IJSSR)

Integrating Indigenous Pedagogies into School Education: Policy, Practice, and Challenges under NEP 2020

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 marks a significant shift in India's educational framework by emphasizing culturally responsive, inclusive, and experiential learning. A central feature of the policy is the recognition of Indigenous knowledge systems and pedagogical practices as valuable resources for strengthening school education. This study explores the integration of Indigenous pedagogies into school education, examining the policy provisions under NEP 2020, current implementation practices, and the challenges encountered in translating policy into classroom realities. Using a qualitative approach based on policy analysis and a review of relevant literature, the study investigates how Indigenous teaching methods—such as oral traditions, storytelling, community-based learning, ecological knowledge, local languages, and experiential practices—can enrich the curriculum and promote holistic development. The findings suggest that Indigenous pedagogies foster contextualized learning, strengthen cultural identity, encourage environmental sustainability, and improve student engagement. However, the implementation of these approaches faces several obstacles, including inadequate teacher preparation, limited curricular integration, and scarcity of culturally relevant learning materials, language barriers, and insufficient institutional support. The study argues that effective implementation requires sustained teacher training, active community participation, curriculum redesign, and stronger collaboration among policymakers, educators, and Indigenous communities. By highlighting both opportunities and challenges, this research contributes to the discourse on equitable and culturally relevant education and offers recommendations for realizing the transformative vision of NEP 2020. Integrating Indigenous pedagogies into mainstream school education has the potential to create a more inclusive, context-sensitive, and sustainable educational system that values India's diverse cultural heritage while preparing learners for contemporary societal needs.