IKS IN COMMUNICATION & MEDIA | NEP | SYBAMMC

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Module 1: Foundations of Indian Knowledge Systems and Communication Traditions 

1. What is IKS Definition, scope, and relevance to media studies.

2. Traditional systems of knowledge transmission Oral, written, symbolic

3. Ancient Indian communication models Shruti, Smriti, Shastra, Sutra.

4. Ancient treatises on communication and statecraft Arthashastra, Natyashastra, Manusmriti, and Panini’s Ashtadhyayi.

Module 2: Language, Literature and Performing Arts in IKS 

1. Classical Languages The role of Sanskrit, Prakrit, Pali,and regional languages in building narrative traditions. 

Epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata as comprehensive communication texts.

2. Oral traditions Puranas, Bhajans, and Jataka tales.

3. Folk and classical performing arts Tamasha, Kirtan, Powada, Lavani, Kathakali, Yakshagana as public communicative platforms

Module 3: Philosophy and Aesthetics in Indian Knowledge Systems

1. Philosophical foundations of Indian thought systems Nyaya, Sankhya, Vedanta, Buddhism, Jainism. Concepts of Dharma, Satya, Ahimsa and their relevance to ethical journalism and responsible media.

2. Aesthetic principles Rasa, Bhava, Alankara and their application to visual and narrative design

Module 4: IKS in Television, Film, and New Media

1. Representation of Indian mythology, history, and folklore in Indian print, cinema and television Looking at Amar Chitra Katha series, Ramayan, Mahabharat to Baahubali and Tumbbad, TV series like Bharat: Ek Khoj among others

2. Adaptation of epics and traditional stories into visual media Techniques, challenges, and cultural responsibilities. IKS in children’s programming, animated series, and edutainment platforms

3. Digital platforms and New Media Indigenous knowledge in documentary and regional filmmaking. Digital archiving and revival of traditional knowledge systems through YouTube, podcasts, OTT platforms, and social media.

DIGITAL ARCHIVING & REVIVAL OF TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE SYSTEMS THROUGH YOUTUBE, PODCASTS, OTT & SOCIAL MEDIA

Digital archiving means preserving information in a digital format so that it can be stored, accessed and shared for a long period.

Traditional knowledge can be digitally archived through:

• Videos
• Photographs
• Audio recordings
• Interviews
• Digitised books and manuscripts
• Oral histories
• Maps
• Digital databases

Example An oral tradition that was previously known only within a village can be: Recorded → Digitised → Stored → Shared → Preserved

Role of YouTube: YouTube provides an easily accessible platform for sharing indigenous knowledge.

Creators can upload:

• Folk songs
• Folk dances
• Traditional recipes
• Interviews with artisans
• Village histories
• Traditional art demonstrations
• Regional-language documentaries
• Oral storytelling

Advantages

• Large audience
• Low-cost distribution
• Easy access through smartphones
• Regional-language content can reach global audiences
• Young people can discover traditional practices

Example: A traditional folk artist can record a performance and upload it to YouTube. The performance can then be viewed by people across India and around the world.

Role of Podcasts: Podcasts are useful for preserving oral traditions.

They can record:

• Folk tales
• Interviews with elders
• Local histories
• Traditional songs
• Personal experiences
• Stories about indigenous communities
• Discussions about traditional knowledge

Podcasts are especially useful because voice and language are important parts of cultural identity.

Role of OTT Platforms: OTT (Over-the-Top) platforms distribute films, series and documentaries through the internet.

OTT platforms provide opportunities for regional and indigenous stories to reach audiences beyond their traditional geographical areas.

They can showcase:

• Regional documentaries
• Independent films
• Tribal stories
• Folk traditions
• Regional-language cinema
• Cultural documentaries

Benefit: A story that may have previously reached only a local audience can now potentially reach a national or international audience.

Role of Social Media: Social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook and other short-video platforms can help promote traditional knowledge.

Creators can use:

• Short videos
• Reels
• Photographs
• Infographics
• Live sessions
• Interviews
• Storytelling

For example, a young creator can make a short video demonstrating a traditional craft technique and explain its cultural significance.

Revival of Traditional Knowledge: Digital media does not only preserve traditional knowledge; it can also help revive traditions.

A traditional art form may be losing popularity among younger generations. Digital content can make it more visible and attractive.

Revival process: Traditional practice → Digital recording → Online sharing → Public awareness → Young people's interest → Revival

For example, an old folk song can be recorded, uploaded online and shared by young creators, helping introduce it to a new audience.

Advantages of Digital Platforms: Digital platforms provide several benefits:

1. Wider Reach: Local knowledge can reach audiences around the world.

2. Preservation: Digital recordings can preserve traditions for future generations.

3. Accessibility: People can access content using smartphones and the internet.

4. Youth Participation: Young people can participate in documenting and promoting their culture.

5. Regional Languages: Digital platforms allow creators to produce content in regional languages.

6. Cultural Exchange: People from different communities can learn about one another's traditions.

7. New Opportunities: Artists, filmmakers and traditional practitioners can find new audiences and professional opportunities.

Challenges: Digital preservation also creates certain challenges.

1. Misrepresentation: Traditional practices may be presented inaccurately or without proper context.

2. Commercialisation: Traditional knowledge may be used for commercial purposes without properly recognising the community.

3. Loss of Context: A short social media video may show a practice without explaining its historical or cultural meaning.

4. Cultural Appropriation: A community's cultural knowledge or art may be copied or used by others without proper acknowledgement or permission.

5. Digital Divide: Not every community has equal access to:

• Smartphones
• Internet
• Digital equipment
• Digital skills

6. Language Loss: If content is available only in dominant languages, the original regional or indigenous language may be neglected.

7. Authenticity: Creators must distinguish between traditional knowledge, personal interpretation and fictional representation.

Cultural Responsibility: Creators working with indigenous knowledge should follow responsible practices.

They should:

• Respect the community
• Take permission where appropriate
• Give proper credit
• Consult knowledgeable community members
• Preserve the original context
• Avoid stereotypes
• Avoid presenting cultural beliefs as scientific facts without evidence
• Protect sensitive or sacred knowledge
• Share benefits fairly when traditional knowledge is commercially used

The community should not merely be the subject of the story; whenever possible, it should also have a voice in how the story is told.

Digital platforms and new media have created new opportunities to preserve, promote and revive indigenous knowledge. Documentary and regional filmmaking can provide authentic representation, while YouTube, podcasts, OTT platforms and social media can make traditional knowledge accessible to younger and global audiences.

However, digital preservation must be done with accuracy, respect, consent and cultural sensitivity.

DIGITAL PLATFORMS & NEW MEDIA - INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE IN DOCUMENTARY & REGIONAL FILMMAKING

Indigenous knowledge refers to the knowledge, skills, practices and traditions developed by local and tribal communities over generations.

This knowledge may include:

• Traditional medicine
• Farming practices
• Food traditions
• Folk music and dance
• Handicrafts
• Local languages
• Oral stories
• Festivals and rituals
• Traditional architecture
• Knowledge of plants, forests and nature

In the past, much of this knowledge was passed through oral traditions and community practices. Today, digital platforms and new media provide new ways to record, preserve and share this knowledge.

Indigenous Knowledge in Documentary Filmmaking: A documentary is a non-fiction film that presents real people, events, places, cultures or issues.

Documentaries can help preserve indigenous knowledge by recording the voices and experiences of local communities.

Examples of topics:

• Traditional farming methods
• Tribal communities and their lifestyle
• Folk artists and musicians
• Traditional crafts
• Local food practices
• Indigenous medicine
• Traditional ecological knowledge
• Oral histories and folk stories

Importance: Documentary filmmaking can:

1. Record disappearing traditions.
2. Give communities a platform to tell their own stories.
3. Create awareness about indigenous cultures.
4. Preserve local languages and practices.
5. Educate younger generations.

Example: A documentary on a tribal community could record how traditional knowledge about forests, medicinal plants and farming is passed from elders to younger members.

Indigenous Knowledge in Regional Filmmaking: Regional filmmaking refers to films made in India's different regional languages and cultural contexts.

Regional cinema can represent indigenous and local knowledge in a way that is closer to the language, culture and experiences of the community.

For example:

• Marathi films can represent Maharashtra's folk traditions.
• Assamese cinema can represent traditions of Assam.
• Bengali films can explore Bengal's cultural practices.
• Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada and Telugu films can present the knowledge and traditions of their respective regions.

Regional filmmaking helps ensure that indigenous knowledge is not presented only from an outside perspective.

IKS IN CHILDREN'S PROGRAMMING, ANIMATED SERIES & EDUTAINMENT PROGRAMS

IKS stands for Indian Knowledge Systems. It refers to India's traditional knowledge developed over centuries in areas such as:

• Philosophy
• Mathematics
• Astronomy
• Medicine
• Yoga
• Agriculture
• Environment
• Arts
• Literature
• Language
• Ethics

Children's programmes can introduce these ideas in simple, entertaining and age-appropriate ways.

How IKS Can Be Used in Children's Programmes:

1. Stories: Traditional stories can teach children values such as:

• Honesty
• Courage
• Kindness
• Respect
• Responsibility

2. Animated Characters: Historical, literary or traditional characters can be presented through animation.

3. Puzzles and Games: Traditional mathematical and logical ideas can be converted into:

• Puzzles
• Quizzes
• Games
• Interactive challenges

4. Nature and Environment: Traditional Indian knowledge about plants, water, farming and nature can be used to teach environmental awareness.

5. Yoga and Well-being: Basic age-appropriate yoga practices can be introduced through educational programmes.

IKS in Animated Series: Animation is particularly useful for presenting Indian Knowledge Systems because it can make difficult concepts visual and entertaining.

For example, an animated series can use: Story + Character + Adventure + Knowledge to teach children about Indian culture.

Animated Series can use themes like:

• Panchatantra stories
• Jataka tales
• Indian folk tales
• Ancient mathematicians
• Indian astronomy
• Traditional art forms
• Yoga
• Indian festivals
• Traditional ecological knowledge

IKS in Edutainment Platforms

Edutainment = Education + Entertainment

Edutainment platforms combine learning with entertainment.

IKS can be presented through:

• Animated videos
• Interactive stories
• Quizzes
• Games
• Podcasts
• Short videos
• Virtual tours
• Digital storytelling

For example, instead of simply explaining an ancient mathematical concept, a programme could create a story-based puzzle where children solve a problem using the concept.

Benefits of IKS-Based Children's Content

1. Makes Learning Interesting: Children learn better when information is presented through stories, characters and activities.

2. Creates Cultural Awareness: Children become familiar with India's diverse cultural traditions.

3. Encourages Curiosity: Traditional knowledge can encourage children to ask questions about:

• Science
• History
• Nature
• Art
• Culture

4. Develops Values: Stories can communicate values such as cooperation, courage, honesty and responsibility.

5. Connects Tradition with Technology: Digital media can make traditional knowledge accessible to today's children.

Important Principles for Creating IKS Children's Content:

A good programme should be: Accurate + Age-appropriate + Entertaining + Inclusive + Culturally Sensitive

Creators should avoid presenting every traditional belief as a scientifically proven fact. Traditional knowledge, cultural beliefs and modern scientific evidence should be clearly distinguished.

Example

Traditional Story: Panchatantra – The Lion and the Mouse

Adaptation: Create a short animated episode.

Technique: Use colourful animation, simple dialogue and humour.

Learning: The story teaches: Even a small person can be helpful and important.

IKS Connection: The story introduces children to Indian storytelling traditions and moral learning.

The adaptation of Indian epics and traditional stories into visual media provides a powerful way of preserving and sharing India's cultural heritage.

However, creators must balance entertainment, accuracy and cultural responsibility. Children's programmes, animated series and edutainment platforms can make Indian Knowledge Systems accessible and interesting to younger generations.

ADAPTATION OF EPICS & TRADITIONAL STORIES INTO VISUAL MEDIA - TECHNIQUES, CHALLENGES & CULTURAL REPONSIBILITIES

India has a rich tradition of epics, myths, legends, folk tales and traditional stories. Stories from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, Panchatantra, Jataka tales and Puranas have been passed from one generation to another.

With the growth of television, cinema, animation, YouTube and OTT platforms, these stories are now presented through modern visual media.

Adaptation means changing an existing story into a new form while keeping its main idea, characters or message.

For example, a traditional story can be adapted into an animated film, television series, comic, web series or children's programme.

Techniques of Adaptation

1. Simplification: Long and complex stories are shortened and simplified for modern audiences.  Example: A long episode from the Mahabharata may be presented as a 20-minute animated episode.

2. Visualisation: Characters, locations, costumes and events described in traditional stories are presented visually. For example:

• Forests
• Palaces
• Ancient cities
• Mythological characters
• Battle scenes

3. Modern Storytelling: Traditional stories can be presented using:

• Flashbacks
• Narration
• Fast editing
• Computer-generated imagery (CGI)
• Animation
• Special effects

4. Character Development: Characters may be given more detailed personalities and emotional journeys to connect with contemporary audiences.

5. Use of Animation: Animation makes traditional stories attractive to children and young audiences.

6. Language Adaptation: The language can be simplified or translated into regional and modern languages so that more people can understand the story.

7. Contemporary Context: Traditional values can sometimes be connected to modern issues such as:

• Friendship
• Environmental protection
• Gender equality
• Leadership
• Courage
• Teamwork

Challenges in Adapting Traditional Stories

1. Maintaining Original Meaning: The creator must ensure that the adaptation does not completely change the central message or cultural meaning of the original story.

2. Balancing Tradition and Modernity: Creators have to decide:

What should remain traditional?

and

What can be changed for modern audiences?

3. Different Versions: Many Indian epics and traditional stories have different regional and cultural versions. Therefore, it may be difficult to decide which version should be followed.

4. Religious and Cultural Sensitivity: Mythological stories are important to many communities. Incorrect or insensitive representation may hurt people's sentiments.

5. Commercialisation: Entertainment companies may change stories to make them more commercially successful. This can sometimes result in exaggeration or distortion of traditional narratives.

6. Stereotyping: Adaptations may unintentionally create stereotypes about:

• Communities
• Gender roles
• Regions
• Historical characters

7. Simplification of Complex Ideas: When stories are simplified for children, important philosophical or cultural meanings may be lost.

Cultural Responsibilities of Creators: Creators have an important responsibility when adapting Indian traditional knowledge. They should:

1. Respect the original tradition.
2. Research different versions of the story.
3. Avoid unnecessary distortion.
4. Clearly distinguish fact, tradition and fictional interpretation.
5. Avoid stereotypes and offensive representations.
6. Respect cultural and regional diversity.
7. Present traditional knowledge responsibly.
8. Use age-appropriate language and visuals for children.

The aim should be: Respect the tradition + Make it understandable + Make it engaging