National Education Policy 2020 and Folk Knowledge Traditions of India

Drawing inspiration from the vision of the National Education Policy 2020, this volume explores the enduring significance of folklore and indigenous knowledge systems in the domains of education, literature, ecology, food traditions, rituals and performances, folk arts, healthcare, and folkloristics. This book highlights the relevance of traditional wisdom in fostering inclusive, sustainable, and culturally rooted modes of learning and development. It seeks to bridge the divide between indigenous and modern knowledge systems while emphasizing the role of local communities as custodians of cultural heritage. The articles collectively demonstrate that folklore is not merely a remnant of the past but a living and evolving repository of ecological wisdom, cultural memory, and social resilience. By documenting diverse traditions and engaging with contemporary theoretical debates, the volume contributes to the revitalization of Indian knowledge systems and advocates a holistic approach to education and development. It is intended to serve scholars, researchers, teachers, students, policymakers, and all those interested in preserving and reimagining India's rich folk heritage for future generations. About the Editors Prof. Alka Singh is the Principal and Professor of English at Vasanta College for Women, Rajghat, Varanasi. With over four decades of distinguished teaching experience, she assumed the office of Principal in 2015. She holds a Ph.D., M.A., B.Ed., PGDTE, and PGCTE (CIEFL), and her academic interests include Gender and Subaltern Studies, British Literature, Indian Writing in English, and Contemporary Literature. Dr. Saurabh Kumar Singh is Professor of English at Vasanta College for Women, Varanasi. His areas of research and teaching encompass Literary Theory, Indian English Drama, Folk Literature, Postcolonial Literature, and New Literatures.