Integration of ‘Gurukul’ Values into the National Education Policy (NEP-2020)

The Gurukul system of education, rooted in ancient Indian traditions, emphasized holistic development through the Guru-Shishya Parampara, value-based learning, mentorship, and harmony with nature. The National Education Policy (NEP-2020) envisions a similar transformative framework with emphasis on experiential learning, character formation, cultural rootedness, and holistic growth. This paper explores the philosophical and pedagogical convergence between Gurukul principles and NEP-2020, examining shared values such as experiential pedagogy, spiritual and moral education, environmental awareness, and skill-based training. A comparative analysis highlights how Gurukul values can enrich policy implementation through mentorship-based teaching models, integration of yoga and meditation, sustainability practices, and community-oriented education. Drawing from historical traditions and contemporary experiments, the study argues that embedding Gurukul values into NEP-2020 can foster a more balanced, inclusive, and future-ready system of education. Such integration not only preserves India’s educational heritage but also addresses the need for value-based learning in a globalizing world.