Integrating Koch Rajbongshi Indigenous Knowledge into Teacher Education: Bridging Local Traditions with Global Standards

Abstract

This chapter examines the integration of Koch Rajbongshi indigenous knowledge into teacher education, preserving cultural diversity while aligning with global standards. The Koch community, spanning India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh, holds rich cultural assets, including oral traditions and ecological wisdom, which can enhance curricula. Recognizing the Koch Rajbongshi as a Scheduled Tribe and including their language in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution would aid in preserving their heritage. The chapter proposes strategies for integrating indigenous knowledge into mainstream education, addressing challenges and opportunities. It underscores the collective role of educators, policymakers, and Indigenous communities in fostering inclusive education and highlights global best practices for sustaining indigenous knowledge in formal learning systems.