Applying Gurukul Principles in Modern Higher Education: A Study of Awareness, Attitudes and Adoption for Viksit Bharat 2047

This paper examines how parents and faculty view the place of Gurukul-inspired education in today’s higher education landscape and how these principles can support the national aspiration of Viksit Bharat 2047. The study is based on a structured questionnaire focusing on awareness, attitudes and perceived adoption of Gurukul values, administered to a sample of 33 respondents drawn from parents and faculty residing in different parts of India. The tool gathered information on basic demographics, language proficiency, familiarity with Gurukul traditions, children’s preferred learning modes, satisfaction with current schooling, and opinions on incorporating elements such as holistic development, close mentoring, self-discipline, experiential learning, community orientation and cultural continuity into education. A descriptive review of the responses suggests that, although the current system is often rated only moderately satisfactory, there is strong support for integrating Gurukul-based values, particularly all-round personality development, ethically grounded character formation and practice-oriented learning. Participants also point to shortcomings of the present model—such as excessive competition and insufficient emphasis on well-being and spirituality—alongside possibilities for introducing Indic knowledge systems, value education and integrated physical–spiritual practices in institutions. The paper offers broad suggestions for higher education institutions to systematically weave Gurukul principles into curriculum design, teaching–learning processes and engagement with parents, with the aim of shaping graduates who are emotionally balanced, spiritually rooted and socially responsible in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.