Our language, Our selves

Last Updated22/02/2023

In November 1999, UNESCO declared February 21 as International Mother Language Day in response to the declining state of many languages all over the world.
This year’s theme, “Multilingual education a necessity to transform education,” underscores the importance of using multiple languages in framing an impactful system of education

India is an ancient repository of hundreds of languages and thousands of dialects with rich linguistic and cultural diversity.
It is in our mother tongue that we express, with authenticity, our deepest thoughts, feelings, values and ideals, as also our literary endeavours.
Our languages, which are an integral part of our ancient culture, give us a sense of identity.
The International Mother Language Day has added significance in the Indian context because of the threat westernisation poses to the survival of as many as 42 of our dialects and languages which have fewer than 10,000 users.

Mainstreaming of mother tongue-based multilingual education should be accorded the highest priority.
Recognising the role of technology and artificial intelligence in transforming the educational landscape globally, societies.
Fast-track methods to make quality education more accessible, equitable and inclusive.
We must involve all key stakeholders in education — policymakers, schools, colleges and universities, teachers, regulatory institutions and non-governmental bodies.

Since 75 years of Independence, we have not been able to shed this colonial legacy of dependence on English.
Educators and parents continue to accord unquestioned primacy to English and, as a result, the child is compelled to study his or her mother tongue as a “second/third language” at school.
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is a farsighted document which advocates education in one’s mother tongue right from the primary-school level.
NEP, hailed the AICTE’s landmark decision to permit BTech programmes in 11 native languages.
NEP’s emphasis on mother tongue as the medium of instruction will instil confidence in students belonging to poor, rural and tribal backgrounds.

The Centre’s initiative to give prominence to native languages in employment and job creation is a welcome step.
It is also heartening that the Staff Selection Commission has decided to conduct examinations in 13 Indian languages in addition to Hindi and English.
Similarly, the Supreme Court’s decision to make verdicts accessible in all Indian languages is of great significance.