Autonomous Institutions: Strategies to Implement 5Cs of Pedagogical Professional Development in the Light of Sri Aurobindo’s Integral Education

Abstract

This paper examines the implementation of the 5Cs of pedagogy—Clarity, Curiosity,
Connection, Collaboration, Creativity—in autonomous higher education institutions (HEIs),
and the strategies required to address prevailing challenges, through the lens of Sri
Aurobindo’s Integral Education. Autonomous HEIs currently face persistent faculty
shortages, capacity-building gaps, and resistance to pedagogical reforms, impeding student
centric, technology-oriented teaching. Pedagogical Professional Development (PD), a
continuous, collaborative process of skill-based training, emerges as a strategic solution.
Although the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 does not list the 5Cs as a formal
heading, its vision embodies each. Sri Aurobindo’s Integral Education, which emphasizes
physical, vital, mental, psychic, and spiritual growth, aligns closely with the 5Cs and offers
tools for holistic development. Since Aurobindo views the teacher as a guide and facilitator,
and advocates “free and natural growth,” education must be clear, nurture curiosity, connect
learners to their context through interdisciplinarity, foster collaboration, and encourage
creativity. Autonomous institutions must integrate these principles while designing programs,
curricula, and syllabi to ensure holistic student development.