CHANGING CONTOURS OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND YOGA: AN EDUCATION CONTINUUM

Abstract

The National Education Policy 2020 was approved by the Union Cabinet in July. It seeks to reform the education system of India and overarches the structural issues in the present Education System. The National Education Policy 2020 strongly emphasizes including sports and physical education as a part of the curriculum. It is recognized as a subject to be taught and the physical aspects are limited to physical education sessions. The idea is not much different from what already exists. The policy merely makes it mandatory what was otherwise an option in many schools. The present article throws light on the significance of physical education and sports across the levels of education-pre-primary, primary, secondary, higher secondary, and higher education. The views provide an array of pertinence in the realm of all-round development of an individual. Health is wealth-goes the old saying. The head, heart and soul reside in a body and physical education and yoga provides a sound health of all these. The position of physical education, yoga and sports in all levels of educational curricula can sign a positive and confident youth, who could contribute to the development of the nation. The NEP 2020, thus envisaged the inclusion of physical education, sports, yoga and mental health in the educational contours, augmenting their existing position in the respective curricula.