Holistic Education Through the Lens of the Self: Connecting the Bhagavad Gita, Psychology and NEP 2020

Dr. Nisha Chandel
Professor, School of Education, Sanskriti University, Mathura (U.P.)-INDIA
Dr. Nisha Chandel . (2025). Holistic Education Through the Lens of the Self: Connecting the Bhagavad Gita, Psychology and NEP 2020. Raj Rajeshwari Journal of Psychological & Educational Research, 10(2), 48-54.
Published by
Article outline
Article info

Abstract

In a world driven by material success, education often overlooks emotional, moral and spiritual development. This paper highlights the importance of self-concept in promoting holistic education, particularly through UNESCO’s pillar of “Learning to Be”. Integrating insights from modern psychology and the Bhagavad Gita, it explores how self awareness, self-efficacy and spiritual wisdom support personal well-being and authentic living. The paper also discusses India’s NEP 2020 and its emphasis on value-based education. It concludes that true education must balance cognitive development with inner growth to prepare learners for life, not just livelihood.

Keywords

Bhagavad Gita Holistic Education NEP 2020 Self-concept......

References

  1. Bandura, A. (1977). Self-efficacy: Toward a unifying theory of behavioral change. Psychological Review, 84(2), 191–215.
  2. Bhagavad Gita. (1986). In A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada (Trans.), Bhagavad-gītā as it is (2nd ed.). The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust.
  3. Coopersmith, S. (1967). The antecedents of self-esteem. W. H. Freeman.
  4. Easwaran, E. (2007). The Bhagavad Gita (2nd ed.). Nilgiri Press.
  5. Erikson, E. H. (1968). Identity: Youth and crisis. W. W. Norton & Company.
  6. Goleman, D. (1995). Emotional intelligence: Why it can matter more than IQ. Bantam Books.
  7. Hattie, J. (2009). Visible learning: A synthesis of over 800 meta-analyses relating to achievement. Routledge.
  8. Knowles, M. (1980). The modern practice of adult education: From pedagogy to andragogy. Cambridge Adult Education.
  9. Marsh, H. W., & Shavelson, R. J. (1985). Self-concept: Its multifaceted, hierarchical structure. Educational Psychologist, 20(3), 107–123.
  10. Miller, R. (2000). Caring for new life: Essays on holistic education. Foundation for Educational Renewal.
  11. Ministry of Education. (2020). National Education Policy 2020. Government of India.
  12. Prabhupada, A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami. (1986). Bhagavad-gītā as it is (2nd ed.). The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust.
  13. Radhakrishnan, S. (1948). The Bhagavadgita. George Allen & Unwin.
  14. Rogers, C. R. (1959). A theory of therapy, personality, and interpersonal relationships as developed in the client-centered framework. In S. Koch (Ed.), Psychology: A study of a science (Vol. 3, pp. 184–256). McGraw-Hill.
  15. Rogers, C. R. (1969). Freedom to learn. Merrill.
  16. Sargeant, W. (1984). The Bhagavad Gita. SUNY Press.
  17. UNESCO. (1996). Learning: The treasure within (Delors Report). UNESCO Publishing.
  18. Zimmerman, B. J. (2002). Becoming a self-regulated learner: An overview. Theory into Practice, 41(2), 64–70.
Citation copied to clipboard