Local languages

Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a very sig nificant statement on Saturday. He said that Indian students will be able to study in their own local language once the National Education Policy (NEP) is implemented in letter and spirit and that it will lead to the students all-round development. While the Prime Minister made this statement at the inaugural event of the two-day All India Education Convention at Pragati Maidan in the national capital, it is also a clarion call for those who think that Indian languages—and for that matter, local languages—have lost their relevance and that only studying in English will benefit the new generations. The Prime Minister’s statement thus also triggered off a series of thought-waves among a large number of academics, sector experts, and representatives of higher education and skilling institutions who had gathered there to share their insights on implementing the NEP 2020. Prime Minister Modi also took a dig at the English-lovers by stating that when all developed countries have been using their respective local languages, there is a section of people in India who consider a person’s skill unacceptable if he or she is unable to speak the English language. Modi has also rightful-ly remarked, without particularly naming the countries, that the developed countries have progressed essentially with the help of their local languages. He then went on to express his displeasure that India’s local languages have been projected as backward and described this tendency as unfortunate. The Prime Minister’s statement came as a big snub to that section of people in India that has a tendency to refuse to accept those who are unable to speak the English language, even if they are talented and innovative. Taking a cue from what the Prime Minister said, it is important to note that the National Education Policy envisions an education system that is rooted in Indian ethos and contributes directly to transforming India sustainably into an equitable and vibrant knowledge society by providing high-quality education to all and thereby making India a global knowledge superpower. In this con-text, it is also imperative to note what exactly the National Education Policy says about local languages. To quote adverbatim from Paragraph 4.11 of the Policy, “It is well understood that young children learn and grasp non-trivial concepts more quickly in their home language or mother tongue. Home language is usually the same lan-guage as the mother tongue or that which is spoken by local communities. However, at times, in multilingual families, there can be a home language spoken by other family members that may sometimes be different from the mother tongue or local language. Wherever possible, the medium of instruction until at least Grade 5, but preferably till Grade 8 and beyond, will be the home language, mother tongue, local language, or regional lan-guage. Thereafter, the home or local language shall continue to be taught as a language wherever possible.” No wonder the Prime Minister has appealed to all to shed this practise of underestimating and undermining local languages during the Amritkal of India’s Independence.