Inclusion of the Noble Eightfold Path and the Ten Paramitas of Lord Buddha in the Indian Knowledge System (IKS) curriculum under National Education Policy 2020

We respectfully submit that, in accordance with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the University of Mumbai has introduced the Indian Knowledge System (IKS) course in the First Semester of the First Year and the Fifth Semester of the Third Year undergraduate programmes.

The current syllabus includes topics such as Arthashastra, Vidura Niti, leadership principles from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, Chanakya Niti, and other important aspects of India's intellectual heritage.

In this context, we wish to draw your kind attention to the timeless teachings of Lord Gautama Buddha, whose philosophy has remained universally relevant for more than 2,500 years. His teachings are founded on rationality, ethics, compassion, equality, wisdom, and human welfare. The Noble Eightfold Path provides a comprehensive framework for ethical conduct, mental discipline, and wisdom, while the Ten Pāramitās (Perfections) cultivate virtues such as generosity, morality, renunciation, wisdom, perseverance, patience, truthfulness, determination, loving-kindness, and equanimity.

The inclusion of these teachings in the Indian Knowledge System (IKS) curriculum would significantly contribute to the holistic development of students by promoting ethical values, critical thinking, emotional well-being, social responsibility, and peaceful coexistence. These principles are fully aligned with the objectives of NEP 2020, which emphasizes value-based, multidisciplinary, and holistic education.

Therefore, Babasaheb Dr. Ambedkar Teachers' Association (BDATA) humbly requests the University of Mumbai to include the Noble Eightfold Path and the Ten Pāramitās of Lord Gautama Buddha in the IKS curriculum prescribed for undergraduate students.

We sincerely hope that the University will give this proposal due consideration and take appropriate steps to enrich the curriculum with these universally accepted human values. Thank you for your kind consideration.

Yours truly, Prof. (Dr.) Avinash Shendre Prof. (Dr.) Mahendra Dahiwale
President General Secretary