Anant National University Hosts Indigenous Consciousness Education Convening with Penn GSE

 

Anant National University partnered with the Graduate School of Education at the University of Pennsylvania (Penn GSE) to host the Indigenous Consciousness Education Research Methodology Convening on July 25–26 at its Ahmedabad campus. This significant academic event united scholars, policy experts, and practitioners to explore Indigenous Consciousness research methodologies and laid the foundation for a transformative India-based project—Indigenous Consciousness Methodology Education Research Project (ICER).

The ICER initiative is centered around valuing local knowledge systems, engaging communities, and promoting equitable, sustainable education models. Through thought-provoking dialogues and panel discussions, the convening examined how to design education policy that reflects Indigenous values and fosters inclusivity.

Key sessions included Rooted Futures: Reimagining Education Policy Through Indigenous Consciousness, which discussed integrating Indigenous knowledge into national education policies. Other engaging panels were The Magic of Paper Workshop, Designing Anti-Games, Reimagining Play by Rathava Children, and Unlearning Empire—each offering creative insights into preserving Indigenous consciousness through media, games, and pedagogy.

This initiative strongly aligns with India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, supporting locally grounded, inclusive educational models. Dr. Sanjeev Vidyarthi, Provost at Anant, highlighted that Indigenous knowledge is vital to the university's design pedagogy. Dr. Leland S McGee of Penn GSE emphasized its global relevance, transcending tribal identity to encompass diverse cultural wisdom. Dr. Diti Vyas noted the convening's purpose—to question colonial influences and foster educational justice through inclusive dialogue.

Anant’s commitment for the 2025–2026 academic year is to ensure Indigenous perspectives shape meaningful, culturally responsive learning systems—transforming how education is envisioned in India and beyond.