In a landmark announcement that could reshape higher education in India, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan declared that colleges across the country will increasingly incorporate local languages as mediums of instruction. This policy initiative aims to promote linguistic diversity, improve accessibility, and enhance learning outcomes among students nationwide.
The push for teaching in regional languages marks a significant shift from the long-standing dominance of English and Hindi in Indian higher education. Speaking at a recent press conference, Minister Pradhan emphasized that the move aligns with the government’s broader vision of making education more inclusive and culturally rooted. “Our goal is to ensure that every student, irrespective of their background, has the opportunity to learn in a language they understand deeply. This will help preserve our rich linguistic heritage while democratizing education,” he stated.
The policy reflects growing recognition of the challenges faced by students who struggle with English-medium instruction, particularly those from rural and marginalized communities. Studies have shown that comprehension and retention improve substantially when students learn complex subjects in their mother tongues or regional languages. By encouraging colleges to adopt local languages such as Tamil, Bengali, Telugu, Marathi, Kannada, and others, the government aims to bridge educational divides and boost student engagement.
Experts have welcomed the initiative but caution that successful implementation will require substantial efforts. Professor Anjali Deshpande, a linguistics expert, noted, “Curriculum redesign, faculty training, and development of technical terminology in regional languages are critical. Without these, the transition may face significant hurdles.” Universities will need to invest in translation of textbooks and resources, as well as promote bilingual proficiency to maintain academic standards and global competitiveness.
The announcement also dovetails with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which advocates for multilingual education and mother tongue instruction, especially at foundational levels. Extending this philosophy to higher education is seen as a natural progression. Additionally, the government plans to support digital platforms and online content development in regional languages to facilitate wider reach and accessibility.
While some critics argue that English remains vital for international collaboration and employability, the government stresses that multilingualism need not exclude English proficiency. Instead, students will be encouraged to develop competency in both their local language and English, creating a balanced linguistic skill set.
This shift in language policy is expected to have far-reaching implications for India’s education system. By fostering a more inclusive and culturally sensitive learning environment, the initiative aims to empower students across diverse socio-economic backgrounds. It may also revitalize regional literature and academic research, opening new avenues for knowledge creation.
In conclusion, Minister Pradhan’s call to teach in local languages in colleges signals a transformative approach to education in India. While challenges remain in implementation, the potential benefits in terms of accessibility, cultural preservation, and academic success are considerable. As the nation embraces its linguistic plurality within higher education, this policy could serve as a model for other multilingual countries seeking equitable learning opportunities.
