Guru-Shishya Parampara: Exploring Key Tenets of Tradition and Teacher-Student Relationship in Contemporary Education in India

Abstract

Guru-shishya parampara (GSP), a longstanding tradition in Indian education system, emphasizes a spiritual teacher-disciple relationship for knowledge transmission. However, recent changes in Indian education system and rapid sociocultural and economic transformations have significantly altered the dynamics of GSP. This study explores unique tenets of GSP and changes observed in the tradition across ages. Through a systematic literature review, it identifies seven tenets constituting the bedrock of GSP. The study further investigates the transformation of the teacher-student relationship within contemporary Indian campus fictions (ICFs) employing Theme Framework Analysis on five ICFs. The findings suggest that the portrayal of the teacher-student relationship in contemporary ICFs starkly contrasts with ancient and medieval times. This study outlines the tenets of GSP, suggesting a departure from traditional norms. It implies a shift from the prescriptive GSP norm to a reinvented framework, adapting to a fast-paced, consumerist workforce, influenced by ICT and market-driven employability. © 2023 IUP. All Rights Reserved.