New Delhi – The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has introduced chapters on Ayurveda into middle school science textbooks. This curriculum update affects students in Classes 6 to 8, aiming to educate them about ancient Indian scientific practices.
NCERT Director Dinesh Prasad Saklani stated the inclusion of Ayurvedic principles promotes holistic learning. The changes are part of a broader government initiative to integrate Ayurveda into the national education system.
New Curriculum Details
The Class 8 science textbook, titled ‘Curiosity,’ now features a chapter that presents Ayurveda as a system. This system focuses on maintaining balance between the body, mind, and environment. The new content emphasizes practical aspects such as daily routines ( dinacharya ) and seasonal routines ( ritucharya ).
Students will learn about habits promoting well-being. These include consuming wholesome food tailored to individual body types, engaging in regular exercise, and practicing mindfulness. These components aim to foster a comprehensive understanding of health.
Similarly, the Class 6 ‘Curiosity’ science textbook integrates Ayurvedic concepts. It covers Ayurveda’s classification of matter, detailing the twenty opposing properties ( guṇa ). Ancient texts, such as the Ashtanga Hridaya Sutra Sthana, describe these properties. The chapter illustrates a holistic view of health, nutrition, and nature.
Expansion to Higher Education
NCERT plans to revise science syllabi for higher classes. The integration of Ayurvedic content will extend to colleges. The University Grants Commission (UGC) will develop a distinct, Ayurveda-focused curriculum for higher education institutions.
Inter-Agency Collaboration
AYUSH Minister Prataprao Jadhav confirmed NCERT and UGC are collaborating. They will prepare course modules for both school and higher education. This joint effort seeks to connect young students with holistic health principles.
Minister Jadhav also noted that Ayurveda-related content is being addressed in teacher education and development courses. NCERT’s Regional Institutes of Education (RIEs) and other constituent units conduct these programs. Several states, including Goa, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh, have already integrated aspects of the Indian Knowledge System into their school education.
Teacher Training and Implementation
Successful implementation of the new curriculum relies on robust teacher training and skill development. The AYUSH Minister emphasized that timely orientation sessions and workshops are being conducted. Preparation of specialized teacher handbooks is also underway. These measures ensure educators are well-equipped to teach the new Ayurvedic chapters effectively.