REVISITING THE PEDAGOGY OF SHRIMAD BHAGAVAD GĪTĀ FOR DEVELOPING 21ST CENTURY SKILLS AMONG THE LEARNERS

Abstract

The great epic Shrimad Bhagavad Gītā, as it is well known, is a logical discourse between Lord Kṛṣṇa and his disciple Arjuna. On the battlefield of Kurukshetra, Kṛṣṇa argues that Arjuna should cultivate the necessary skills and techniques (Role Orientation, Critical Thinking and analysis as well as practices of Spiritual Quotient) in order to overcome his state of anxiety and mental dilemma. This logical discussion between Kṛṣṇa and Arjuna is analysed and interpreted through the ideals and principles articulated in the Shrimad Bhagavad Gītā. This paper discusses in what manner the contemporary forms of 21^stCentury skills such as critical thinking, communication, problem-solving, creativity etc. have grown straightforward from the idealistic and pragmatic principles of the Bhagavad Gītā. From the realistic viewpoint, the ideals of Bhagavad Gītā can make a blend combination of head (intellectual), heart (sraddha) and hand (action) philosophy. The relationship between 21^st Century skills to that of the principles presented in Bhagavad Gītā is a ground for spirituality and skill transformation and this blended model can enable the learners towards perfection. This framework helps the learners to foster holistic and harmonic development of personality and equips individuals with the resilience and adaptability needed to thrive in our rapidly evolving world.