Chapter 8: Integrating Indian Literature into English Pedagogy

Introduction: Indian Literature in NEP 2020  
NEP encourages celebrating India’s linguistic and literary heritage within English curricula.

Policy Vision

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 redefines the role of English studies by foregrounding India’s linguistic and literary heritage. Instead of limiting the English curriculum to Western canonical texts, NEP advocates for the integration of Indian voices—across classical, regional, and contemporary traditions—into English courses. This vision aligns with the policy’s broader goal of making education rooted in India while responsive to global contexts. By celebrating India’s literature in translation and original English writings, the curriculum seeks to highlight India’s plurality, diversity, and cultural depth.

Integration of Indian Authors

One of the major shifts proposed under NEP is the systematic inclusion of Indian writers alongside global literary figures. Students studying English are encouraged to engage with works by Rabindranath Tagore, R.K. Narayan, Mahasweta Devi, Kamala Das, Salman Rushdie, and Arundhati Roy, among others. This ensures that learners encounter narratives reflecting colonial history, independence struggles, caste hierarchies, gender identities, and ecological concerns. Such exposure positions Indian literature not as peripheral but as an integral part of intellectual discourse in English classrooms.

Role of Translation

NEP 2020 highlights multilingualism as a foundational pillar, emphasizing that English pedagogy should embrace Indian literatures in translation. Classical texts such as Kalidasa’s plays, Sangam poetry, Kabir’s do have, or Mirabai’s bhajans, when studied in English translation, allow students to access linguistic traditions beyond their native language. This not only preserves cultural memory but also fosters cross-cultural appreciation, ensuring that Indian literary heritage becomes accessible to learners from diverse regions.

Cultural Relevance and Global Competence

By embedding Indian literature into English curricula, NEP ensures that students develop cultural pride and critical awareness. Indian literary voices highlight pressing issues such as social justice, identity politics, environmental ethics, and globalization, providing learners with tools to interpret contemporary realities. At the same time, placing Indian texts in dialogue with Western works fosters global competence, enabling students to participate in intercultural exchanges without losing their rootedness.