Jiddu Krishnamurti’s concept of holistic education: Challenging the dominance of world rankings and internationalization in higher education institutions
Nikky S. Garo, Mark Peter Paul M. Valeros, Marielle B. Galino, Anton Lawrence O. Ponce, Geryl John S. Gallardo & Matt Salvador C. Noel
Abstract
World rankings and internationalization have become dominant indicators of prestige in higher education, driving institutions to remodel policies for global recognition and marketability. In pursuit of “world-class” status, universities often prioritize branding over the holistic development of learners. This study challenges these prevailing norms by applying Jiddu Krishnamurti’s concept of holistic education, which views intelligence not as the accumulation of information, but as the capacity to perceive the essential and awaken insight in oneself and others. Using qualitative content analysis and critical theory, the study examines how global metrics perpetuate power dynamics and commodify education. Krishnamurti’s philosophy offers a counter-framework that emphasizes introspection, ethical pedagogy, and learner autonomy. Thematic categories such as “Critical Thinking and Autonomy,” “Creation of New Mind,” and “Understanding Beyond Conformity” emerged through iterative reading, pattern recognition, and cross-validation with peer-reviewed literature. Findings reveal that while rankings and internationalization may elevate institutional status, they conflict with the transformative aims of holistic education. In response, the study recommends curriculum reorientation to integrate critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and experiential learning; faculty development that fosters moral integrity and reflective teaching; and institutional support for student-led initiatives that promote creativity, collaboration, and social responsibility. This study contributes to reimagining higher education beyond market-driven imperatives, offering a framework centered on human flourishing and the reinvigoration of education’s emancipatory purpose.
Keywords
Krishnamurti, world rankings, internationalization, holistic education, higher education institutions (HEIs)
Author information & Contribution
Nikky S. Garo. Corresponding author. Doctor of Philosophy in Philosophy (candidate), Associate Professor at the Department of Philosophy, Saint Louis University, Baguio City, Philippines. Email: nsgaro@slu.edu.ph
Mark Peter Paul M. Valeros. Undergraduate Student of Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Student, Saint Louis University, Baguio City Philippines. Email: 2232236@slu.edu.ph
Marielle B. Galino. Undergraduate Student of Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Student, Saint Louis University, Baguio City Philippines. Email: 2244854@slu.edu.ph
Anton Lawrence O. Ponce. Undergraduate Student of Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Student, Saint Louis University, Baguio City Philippines. Email: 2244395@slu.edu.ph
Geryl John S. Gallardo. Undergraduate Student of Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Student, Saint Louis University, Baguio City Philippines. Email: 2244395@slu.edu.ph
Matt Salvador C. Noel. Undergraduate Student of Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Student, Saint Louis University, Baguio City Philippines. Email: 2245430@slu.edu.ph
"Author 1 provided overall guidance throughout the research process, conceptualized the topic and methodology, finalized the research framework, and led the manuscript revision. Author 2 contributed significantly to the literature review and the analysis of results and discussion. Author 3 prepared the summary, offered personal feedback and reflection, and assisted in editing the revised manuscript. Author 4 presented the study at international conferences, supporting its scholarly dissemination. Author 5 conducted thematic analysis, reviewed relevant literature, and contributed to the summary and discussion. Author 6 gathered, analyzed, and interpreted the data. All authors contributed to the writing and refinement of the final manuscript."
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Funding
This work was not supported by any funding.
Institutional Review Board Statement
Not Applicable.
AI Declaration
The authors declare that AI tools were minimally used throughout the study to address sweeping statements, enhance sentence transitions, and generate citations. All relevant information used is cited and referenced accordingly.
Notes
This paper has been presented at the 2nd International Student Research Congress 2025 (ISRC25), with the theme “Voices of Tomorrow: Empowering Youth Research for Global Impact”.
Acknowledgement
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Cite this article:
Garo, N.S., Valeros, M.P.P.M., Galino, M.B., Ponce, A.L.O., Gallardo, G.J.S. & Noel, M.S.C. (2025). Jiddu Krishnamurti’s concept of holistic education: Challenging the dominance of world rankings and internationalization in higher education institutions. International Journal of Educational Management and Development Studies, 6(4), 163-184. https://doi.org/10.53378/ijemds.353287
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