ISSN No. 0975-0312 [Print]
DOI: 10.66718/vsj
Vedic Science International Multidisciplinary Peer-reviewed Journal
The online digital version of Vedic Science Journal officially commenced publication in 2025. All articles published below are direct, authorized digital versions of our peer-reviewed print volumes.
Article Information
Journal: Vedic Science
Volume: 28 | Issue: 2 | Year: 2026
Pages: 58–87
DOI: https://doi.org/10.66718/vsj.v28.i2.05
Received: 25 April. 2026
Accepted: 26 May, 2026
Published: 30 June, 2026
The Multidisciplinary Renaissance in Pedagogy: Synthesizing the Catuḥṣaṣṭi Kalās (64 Arts/Skills) with Outcome-Based Education (OBE) for Viksit Bharat 2047
Dr. K.V. Sarma, Independent Researcher, Hyderabad, India Prathyusha Karra, Marketing, DeepForrest AI, Hyderabad, India Dr. Raju Bolla, Regional Director, IGNOU-Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Abstract
Objective: This article proposes a transformative pedagogical framework that synthesizes the ancient Indian tradition of Catuḥṣaṣṭi Kalās (64 Arts) with modern Outcome-Based Education (OBE) to foster holistic development for Viksit Bharat 2047. The study aims to bridge the gap between fragmented vocational training and integrated human excellence.
Methodology: We introduce Sumathi (Right-Mindedness) as the Foundational Outcome (FO-0) - the ethical substrate essential for all technical mastery. The framework utilizes a "Backward Design" methodology, mapping the 64 classical arts into measurable performance indicators. Operationalization is achieved through an integrated model connecting schools and ITIs as "Sumathi Nodes," supported by an AI-driven diagnostic backbone for personalized skill-gap analysis.
The FO-0 serves as the ethical substrate, ensuring that the '64 Arts' are pursued with the right intention (Sumathi), thus preventing the instrumentalization of knowledge without wisdom.
Findings: Preliminary analysis indicates that embedding the Catuḥṣaṣṭi Kalās into an OBE architecture resolves the "Crisis of the Specialist" by anchoring technical competence in civilizational values. The system allows for modular, stackable skill acquisition, providing a viable pathway for non-traditional learners and early school leavers to attain recognized certifications.
Policy Implications: To achieve scalability, the framework requires alignment with the National Credit Framework (NCrF) and endorsement by the UGC and AICTE. We propose a "Train-the-Trainer" model to facilitate institutional adoption and recommend the use of AI for Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI). This synthesis offers a scalable, credit-aligned pathway to rejuvenate pedagogical systems while honoring ancient knowledge.
Scaling through ODL Infrastructure: To achieve national scalability, the Sumathi framework leverages the expansive reach of Open and Distance Learning (ODL) institutions, such as IGNOU, alongside the agility of Deemed-to-be Universities. By designating Regional Centres and institutional departments as 'Sumathi Learning Nodes,' the framework utilizes established networks to facilitate practical training in the Catuḥṣaṣṭi Kalās.
While ODL institutions provide the infrastructure for mass accessibility and remote outreach, Deemed Universities offer the specialized autonomy necessary for rapid pedagogical pilots and deep-tech research integration. By mapping these skills to modular units within the National Credit Framework (NCrF), this hybrid approach provides a democratized, credit-recognized pathway—ensuring that holistic vocational education is accessible to everyone, from working professionals in remote regions to full-time scholars in specialized research hubs.
Keywords
Outcome-Based Education (OBE), Catuḥṣaṣṭi Kalās, Sumathi (FO-0), Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS), Viksit Bharat 2047, Washington Accord, Kala-Pravina, Sandipani Vision, Holistic Completeness, Pedagogy.
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How to cite this article
Sarma,K.V., Karra, P., Bolla, R. (2026). The Multidisciplinary Renaissance in Pedagogy: Synthesizing the Catuḥṣaṣṭi Kalās (64 Arts/Skills) with Outcome-Based Education (OBE) for Viksit Bharat 2047. Vedic Science, 2026 (2), 58–87. ISSN: 0975-0312. DOI: https://doi.org/10.66718/vsj.v28.i2.05
Copyright (c) 2026 by the Author/s
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