Publication

Abstract : Performing Arts is an important aspect of India’s intangible cultural heritage (ICH). It plays a pivotal role in the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals 4.7 and 11.4. This study proposes a culturally responsive pedagogical model that embeds performing arts into STEM education by synthesizing five complementary frameworks including Arts Integration, Universal Design for Learning, Kolb’s Experiential Learning Theory, Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences, and the Nāṭyaśāstra. Aligning with NEP 2020 , the art-integrated model embeds experiential learning through diverse art forms across subjects to create joyful, collaborative classrooms that foster creativity, critical thinking, and intercultural awareness while imbibing the Indian ethos. By leveraging Indian Knowledge Systems, the framework bridges traditional cultural practices with contemporary educational demands, enhancing student engagement, cultural literacy, and academic performance. Practical guidance for educators and policymakers includes co-developing curricula with cultural practitioners, securing dedicated funding, and employing mixed-methods evaluation to assess impacts on creativity, cultural identity, and learning outcomes. Future research should undertake long-term, regionally diverse mixed-methods studies to compare different art forms and its effects on STEM skills, explore professional development models integrating artistic and scientific expertise, and conduct cross-cultural analyses of heritage-STEAM initiatives. This will create educational models built on proven, research-backed strategies that can be customized to respect each community’s unique heritage and needs, enabling programs to grow widely while remaining locally relevant.