In a groundbreaking move designed to empower students and celebrate India’s vibrant linguistic tapestry, the government has announced a comprehensive plan to make study material for all school and higher education courses available digitally in all 22 Indian languages listed in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution. This ambitious project, outlined in an order issued by the Ministry of Education, aims to break down language barriers and unlock the full potential of every student by allowing them to learn in their mother tongue.
The order sets an ambitious timeline of three years for all school and higher education regulators, including the UGC, AICTE, NCERT, NIOS, IGNOU, and heads of Institutes of National Importance like IITs, CUs, and NITs, to translate and digitize course materials. To ensure complete coverage, the UGC, AICTE, and the Department of School Education will also collaborate with state schools and universities.
This initiative echoes the spirit of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes multilingualism as a key enabler of educational excellence. Recognizing the power of mother tongue learning, the NEP envisions a future where students can think critically and innovate without the constraints of linguistic limitations.
Beyond individual empowerment, the move carries national significance. The NEP views India’s multilingualism as a potent asset, a wellspring of socio-cultural, economic, and educational potential. By investing in content creation across Indian languages, the government aims to unlock this vast reserve and fuel the journey towards “Viksit Bharat,” a developed India by 2047.
The road towards true inclusivity has already begun. Over the past two years, the government has translated engineering, medical, law, undergraduate, postgraduate, and skill development books through the Anuvadini AI-based app, making them accessible on the ekumbh portal. Similarly, the DIKSHA platform offers school study materials in over 30 languages, and competitive exams like JEE, NEET, and CUET are now held in 13 Indian languages.
This transformative initiative paves the way for a more equitable and vibrant educational landscape. By embracing mother tongues, India empowers its students, celebrates its linguistic diversity, and unlocks the full potential of its rich cultural heritage. The journey towards “Viksit Bharat” begins not just with bricks and mortar, but with the liberation of minds and the empowerment of voices, a revolution fueled by the familiar cadence of mother tongue learning.