Oral Knowledge Preservation in the Digital Age: Ethical Lessons from the Bhagavad Gita within the Indian Knowledge System

Abstract

Oral traditions have played a central role in preserving cultural knowledge in many societies. In India, philosophical teachings, sacred texts, chants, rituals, and folk narratives were historically transmitted through oral communication between teachers and learners. The Bhagavad Gita represents a significant example of this tradition because it originated as a spoken dialogue between Lord Krishna and Arjuna and later became a written philosophical text. In the modern digital age, new technologies provide opportunities to record, store, and distribute oral knowledge through digital platforms. However, the digitization of traditional knowledge also raises ethical questions related to authenticity, ownership, cultural sensitivity, and misuse.

Existing studies often focus on digital preservation methods but give limited attention to ethical frameworks rooted in Indian philosophical traditions. This paper addresses this research gap by exploring how ethical principles found in the Bhagavad Gita—such as dharma (duty), satya (truth), and responsible action—can guide the digital preservation of oral knowledge. Using a qualitative conceptual research approach, the study examines the intersection of oral traditions, digital documentation, and ethical responsibility. The findings suggest that digital preservation should be guided by culturally sensitive and ethically informed frameworks. The study proposes a model that integrates technological tools with ethical principles from the Indian Knowledge System to ensure responsible and sustainable preservation of oral knowledge.

Keywords: Bhagavad Gita, Oral Knowledge, Digital Preservation, Indian Knowledge System, Cultural Heritage, Ethics