Digital Tool for HR: Natyashastra’s "Rasas" and "Ragas" to Enhance Virtual Learning Engagement

Learners' engagement has become an essential ingredient in virtual learning platforms' (VLP), considering VLP’s rapid adaptation. Research has shown that virtual technologies enable fast and effective context learning. This paper introduces a digital tool for theatrical science (Ragas and Rasas of Indian Natyashastra’s) TRREE (The Rasas and Ragas for Engagement Enhancement) in VLPs to detect Rasas identified by Natyashastra to interpret learning engagement in VLP. Further, based on a particular threshold level of each Rasa, it automatically plays corresponding Raga-based ambient music for learning engagement enhancement. Users can place this digital tool at an optional level with manual or automatic control based on real-time engagement detection and measurement. The modern technology enabled TRREE can positively impact the learning and development (L&D) section for learning engagement. The qualitative method of the research focused on investigating modern digital technology’s application of Veda-based ancient emotional engagement theory to interpret and increase engagement. While the experimental method of research involved 29 learners for TRREE tool validation, the results revealed that a Raga- and Rasa-based TRREE score has a significant impact on learning engagement. Thus, digital technology-enabled Raga and Rasa applications can enhance engagement in VLP, thereby contributing to a paradigm shift in human resource L&D practices.