How Knowledgeable are Gen Z about Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS)?

Abstract

The author has completed the SWAYAM online course on “IKS: Concepts and Applications in Science” offered by Chanakya University and the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore. While undergoing this course, the author understood the prominence and need for the Indian Knowledge System (IKS) and its applicability to present society. This has ignited curiosity among researchers to know whether Gen Z has any awareness of IKS. The questionnaire was distributed to undergraduate colleges in Telangana with the support of other faculty members. A total of 836 questionnaires were filled out. After data cleansing, only 713 responses were considered for the final study. The study revealed that students who studied Sanskrit as one of the languages at their Secondary Education and Intermediate level have some knowledge about IKS, students who lived with grand-parents and in a joint family have awareness about the Vedic Corpus (Vedas and Vedangas). Wisdom through the ages (Niti Sastras and Subhasita) is prevalent among students who learnt them at an early stage as a play in the family. Mathematics was treated as a scoring subject and as a gateway to writing various competitive exams. Astronomy is confined to Pancanga. Ayruveda is a synonym of home remedies to Gen Z. The intrinsic knowledge of Ayurveda is yet to be known to Gen Z. The study concludes that Sanskrit as a subject at the Secondary School or intermediate level and joint family culture can build a conducive environment to promote IKS. This study also highlights the role of SWAYAM and NPTEL in promoting IKS.