Paper Details

Name: Boregowda M. A.
Country: India

Year: 2025
Volume: Volume No: 12, Issue No: 2, Year: 2025 (Special Issue)
Page Number: 26-38
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17897307

ABSTRACT
Higher education in India is undergoing a profound transformation shaped by global
influences, national aspirations, and the pressing demands of the twenty-first century.
Traditional models, often centered on rote learning and discipline-based silos, are proving
inadequate for preparing students to thrive in a rapidly changing, knowledge-driven, and
interconnected world. This article explores the scope of holistic and transformative
approaches in Indian higher education by drawing from global best practices, national policy
reforms, and empirical evidence. Using a mixed-methods framework, the study combines
surveys, interviews, and document analysis to examine how holistic pedagogy—emphasizing
critical thinking, creativity, emotional intelligence, and ethical reasoning—can enhance
graduate outcomes. The findings reveal widespread recognition of the importance of
interdisciplinary learning, soft skills, and experiential education, but also highlight systemic
barriers such as rigid curricula, resource constraints, and uneven institutional quality. The
article concludes with actionable suggestions for policymakers, institutions, and educators,
underscoring the need for context-sensitive innovations that balance India’s rich culturaleducational heritage with contemporary global demands.
Keywords: Higher education, holistic learning, transformative education, NEP 2020, India,
interdisciplinary learning, employability.