From STEM to STREAM: Integrating Aesthetics through Indian Knowledge Systems in Contemporary Education

Abstract

Education in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) has grown in prominence in the 21st century as a means to propel technological advancement and monetary prosperity. Although this approach has made it easy for people to solving problems, think analytically, and use technology, it often ignores the creative, moral, and emotional parts of learning that are equally important for developing a holistic personality. To remove this imbalance, there has been a shift in educational priorities away from STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and towards STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), which places an emphasis on the value of aesthetics, communication, and creativity alongside scientific inquiry. IKS, is a generic term covering a huge diversity of indigenous methods of knowing, doing, and thinking. Knowledge in IKS is always considered as an integrated, and worthwhile pursuit. According to IKS science, art, logic and intuition, practicality and aesthetics all work together in perfect harmony, making learning an organic process.