Indian Knowledge Tradition’s Perspective on Education and Rehabilitation of Persons with Special Needs

Abstract

In Indian Knowledge Tradition, the concerns of Divyangjan (persons with special needs-disabilities) have been well placed and discussed. The main concerns of persons with special needs have been education and rehabilitation for their inclusion in society. Inclusion is the ultimate reality for a democratic nation. Four years back, the Government of India has promised to reconfigure education system through National Education Policy, 2020. This policy is to ensure social justice and equality for persons with special needs by defining education as the single greatest tool. The Government of India is committed to promote inclusion through equitable and inclusive education. To implement the policy in an effective manner, it is important to examine the status of education and rehabilitation of historically marginalized persons within the framework of the ancient Indian knowledge system. This paper examines how the education and rehabilitation of persons with special needs could be done with the help of ancient insights reflected in Indian knowledge traditions. It is indeed very helpful in modern rehabilitation approaches to foster a more holistic and compassionate approach in the area of disability care, especially in educating and rehabilitating the persons with special needs.