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Ramadevi University recently conducted a faculty development programme to create awareness about the Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. More than 200 participants from the fields of Commerce, Arts, and Science participated in the conversation on how traditional knowledge can improve contemporary education. Several academicians and practitioners shared their views on wide range of topics such as the preservation of Indian scripts, ethical teachings from ancient texts, and the relevance of Ayurveda in modern health and wellness. I got the opportunity to contribute to this meaningful dialogue by sharing insights on how Indigenous Knowledge Systems can be practically integrated into higher education through innovative models like Local Exchange Trading Systems.
Indigenous Knowledge Systems reflects the knowledge and skills of local communities evolved over the years and passed on from one generation to the next. In India, one can see use of such practice in diverse domains such as agriculture, architecture, medicine, water conservation, craft traditions, and decentralized governance. IKS offers viable strategies even for the present-day challenges across sectors. By using the indigenous knowledge, we may find better solutions to the current problems and also get an opportunity to revive cultural heritage. That explains the NEP’s stress on the use of IKS in higher education.
NEP 2020 and the Revival of IKS
The National Education Policy 2020 strongly recommends that education be made more holistic, flexible, and multidisciplinary. The NEP recognizes IKS as a legitimate and valuable domain of knowledge. It defines IKS as knowledge developed through communities’ sustained interactions with their environments. NEP recommends systematic integration of IKS across educational levels and also advocates for initiatives that connect indigenous and conventional knowledge. It places the responsibility on higher education institutions (HEIs) to design, develop, and deliver relevant courses or programs based on IKS. In line with this vision, I proposed to the faculty members of Ramadevi University the use of Local Exchange Trading Systems (LETS) as a potential model for implementing IKS by the higher education institutions.
LETS: A Suggestion to Implement IKS
LETS offer a model to apply indigenous economic principles in today’s world which fully runs on money. LETS enables communities to exchange goods and services without the use of money, instead relying on time credits or locally defined units of value. LETS places social relationships and reciprocity at the heart of exchange rather than profit and commodification.
LETS aligns with core IKS values such as decentralization, trust, and ecological sustainability. It also recognizes contributions often excluded from the formal economy—like caregiving, domestic labour, or neighborhood support. In the process, LETS nurture a comprehensive and unbiased community participation.
LETS as a Framework for Interdisciplinary Education
LETS offers an innovative platform for interdisciplinary education, aligning closely with NEP’s emphasis on experiential, integrated learning. It allows students to engage with real-world issues and helps in connecting theory with practice. For instance, environmental science students can evaluate the ecological benefits of local exchange, such as reduced emissions and waste, while promoting sustainable practices like composting or community gardening. Students of economics and commerce can examine informal economies, and behavioral patterns in community exchanges; students of humanities and social sciences may get the opportunity to explore oral traditions and local practices; the computer science students can design digital infrastructure to manage LETS platforms and develop mobile apps or SMS-based systems for improving participation and the engineering and design students can develop physical tools such as kiosks or bulletin boards for displaying local transactions. In this way, LETS becomes a living laboratory, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and cultivating students’ civic and social engagement.
LETS at the Ward Level
LETS is not just an idea. It can be implemented in different locations and all come together as a federation to learn from each other and strengthen the practice. Municipal wards offer an ideal space for piloting LETS in urban settings due to their manageable size, diverse skill base, and existing administrative structures. Implementation can begin with community meetings to identify local needs and services—such as tutoring, caregiving, or plumbing. A governance body comprising residents, NGOs, municipal staff, and representatives from local colleges or universities may be given the responsibility to oversee operations, ensuring transparency and accountability. The local academic institutions can take the responsibility for coordinating and sustaining the initiative in each ward. Integration with government programs like livelihood missions or sanitation campaigns can further incentivize participation, while a multilingual App or open-source tool would support accessibility and record-keeping. LETS provides opportunities to local community to work with the local academic institutes, and local industry which is in line with NEP.
LETS as IKS in NEP: Toward a Transformative Future
Aligned with NEP 2020’s vision, LETS can be a powerful model for educational reform, innovation, and community development. It offers a practical and pedagogically rich framework for integrating IKS into higher education through curriculum development, research, and community engagement. To fully realize its potential, LETS requires policy-level recognition, pilot implementation through university-municipal partnerships, and robust digital infrastructure. If embraced thoughtfully, LETS can play a pivotal role in shaping a sustainable and inclusive future for India. As envisioned by NEP, LETS as an applied IKS offer a model of development that is both culturally grounded and forward-looking. The integration of IKS within contemporary education systems helps realize Gandhi ji’s vision: “I want India to be a nation of scientists, but I want those scientists to be deeply rooted in our culture and values.”