In a significant push towards educational reform, NCERT Director D P Saklani has advocated for using the mother tongue as the medium of instruction in schools. Addressing a recent event, Saklani highlighted the profound impact of mother-tongue instruction on children's learning experiences and their connection to cultural roots.
Saklani criticized the prevailing obsession with English-medium schools, pointing out that this preference often overlooks the shortage of adequately trained teachers proficient in English. He emphasized that prioritizing mother tongue instruction can bridge the gap in educational quality and accessibility. According to Saklani, children are more likely to grasp complex concepts and perform better academically when taught in their native languages.
This stance aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP), which recommends using the mother tongue as the medium of instruction at least until Grade 5. The NEP underscores early education's cognitive and educational benefits in a child's first language. To support this initiative, NCERT is developing primers in 121 languages, ensuring that educational resources are available to a diverse student population nationwide.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also endorsed this approach, describing using the mother tongue in education as a "new form of justice" for Indian students. Modi's support underscores the government's commitment to promoting linguistic diversity and fostering an inclusive educational environment.
The advocacy for mother tongue education is not just about language preservation but also about improving educational outcomes. Research has shown that children who receive instruction in their mother tongue during their early years of schooling exhibit better comprehension, critical thinking, and cognitive development. This method also helps maintain linguistic and cultural heritage, contributing to a richer, more diverse societal fabric.
By implementing these reforms, the Indian education system aims to provide all students with a more equitable and effective learning environment. The move towards mother tongue instruction is seen as a step towards reducing educational disparities and ensuring that all children, regardless of their linguistic background, have access to quality education.
The advocacy for mother tongue instruction by NCERT Director D P Saklani, backed by the National Education Policy and endorsed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marks a significant shift in India's educational landscape. This initiative is poised to enhance learning experiences, uphold cultural diversity, and promote inclusive education, ultimately benefiting the nation's young learners.