Decentralized Education in India: Unleashing the Power of Gurukul Wisdom and Artificial Intelligence for Access, Equity, and Elevated Learning Quality

Abstract

In today's modern world, the centralized education systems globally face criticism for their heavy reliance on memorization, standardized testing, and limited accessibility, hindering the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for navigating a complex world. This approach often imposes rigid curricula, limiting flexibility and failing to cater to diverse learning needs. It can lead to increased stress and anxiety among students, inequality in educational outcomes, and a disconnect from local contexts and real-world applications. Teachers may find their creativity stifled and autonomy constrained, while parents may feel marginalized in their children's education. Advocates for reform argue for transformative shifts towards decentralized education models. A Decentralized education model holds the potential to revolutionize Indian education by empowering youth development through the integration of ancient Gurukul traditions with innovative technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI). Unlike traditional top-down approaches, decentralization places decision-making power closer to students, addressing issues such as rote learning and standardized exams while fostering character development, analytical skills, and discipline. This study proposes a comprehensive solution to reform education through decentralized systems, aiming to empower students and ensure a meaningful and adaptable educational journey. By leveraging AI for personalized learning and blockchain for secure credentials, this approach seeks to establish a more inclusive and effective educational ecosystem. The research explores the distinctions between decentralized and centralized methods, investigates the potential synergy between AI and Gurukul principles, and assesses the broader impacts on students nationwide. This study conducted on 328 participants finds that the integration of Ancient Vedic Gurukul-inspired education, AI, and Blockchain in a decentralized system will significantly enhance student autonomy, empowerment, and ownership in the learning processes in India.