Authors: Samir Diabagh, Abhijit Bhattacharya
Abstract: Bhagavad Gita is set in a narrative framework of a dialogue between Prince Arjuna and Lord Krishna as they discuss issues of human ethics, societal morality and reasoning. According to the Bhagavad Gita, no one can escape from performing karma (action), as even when we’re sleeping or breathing, we are doing karma. However, someone can practice Niṣhkāma Karma (action without desire). If someone is not attached to the consequences of their actions, then they are free from the bondage of karma. According to Lord Krishna, practicing Niṣhkāma Karma Yoga is the true path for realizing the truth. The need for the teaching of the Bhagavad Gita now is as great as ever. Its value has not lessened through lapse of time: and that is a mark of its greatness. That explains why the Gita is read with profit and interest by any individual, community, creed and nationality. Aligning Nishkama Karma with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 involves fostering a value-based education system that emphasizes ethical and moral growth alongside intellectual development of the students. In my paper, I have discussed how the practice of Nishkama Karma yoga cater to the needs of students with diverse talents, aspirations and professional requirements even if it’s challenging for a student to engage in actions without attachment to personal outcomes or desires in this materialistic world. Nishkama Karma yoga is universal in nature and need to be applied to any situation in life. When an action is performed in a detached manner without any personal consideration, but is performed as a duty, the result it gives not only brings purity and perfection to the student; it universalizes the scope of the action of the agent which benefits the society. I have shown in my paper that how practices of Nishkama Karma yoga in the backdrop of NEP-2020 leads to a higher level of optimism, positive thoughts, emotions, holistic development and value based education amongst under graduate students. In my paper, I have recommended some practical steps, if incorporate properly in our daily life, can help us to perform Nishkama Karma and experience its transformative power. Selfless action is a continuous and consistent practice, doing what you were meant to do and feeling really fulfilled and it may take time to fully integrate these principles in our life. With patience, persistence one can cultivate a life filled with purpose, meaning and serving to others and live his best life.
DOI: http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18654568
