India is a country known for its richness, diversity, and multiculturalism, with a history spanning over 5000 years. Over 19,500 mother languages and 22 officially recognized regional languages are spoken in the country, thus, Indian languages carry the potential to break the monopoly of English in the science, technology, and research world.

Though, language plays a major role in shaping human development and national identity. But it shouldn’t be a barrier to knowledge and new learning rather should be a tool to harness innovation and ideas, as they are just utilitarian tools for acquiring knowledge.

The government of India in its National Education Policy (NEP)-2020 also emphasized the importance of learning in the mother tongue or regional languages, with a provision to extend it to higher education levels. The Ministry of Education is also working on translating technical and scientific textbooks into regional languages. The Commission for Scientific and Technical Terminology (CSTT) is responsible for developing and standardizing scientific and technical terms in Hindi and other Indian languages.

Language is NOT a barrier
Currently, India stands at the crossroads of diverse cultures and a large youth population, who do not speak one unified language, thus, teaching regional languages allows the young India to gain an insider’s perspective and also is a means to enrich the learning experience and also preserve the cultural heritage and language of India.

Regional languages are known to facilitate better understanding and comprehension of concepts, leading to improved learning outcomes, and breaking the barrier of language. Therefore, the youth of India can replicate their ideas and thoughts in their own words.

The significance of using mother tongues in education has also been endorsed by UNESCO, which emphasizes that students can communicate more effectively and engage more fully in discussions when they are taught in their language. This, in turn, allows for better comprehension and more meaningful educational experiences.

Research by cognitive scientists at York University reveals compelling evidence for the same. It indicates that learning in one’s native language offers significant advantages, fostering stronger cognitive skills, particularly in critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. The studies show children who learn complex subjects such as math and science in their mother tongue show better conceptual understanding compared to those learning in a second language.

The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi also focused on the use of native languages. In an education convention, he mentioned how most of the developed countries have progressed based on their native languages, but India looks down on its languages with the perspective of backwardness.
“Even I speak in Indian language at UN. Listeners would take some time to clap. Let them,” PM Modi said. He emphasized that even at international forums like the United Nations, he speaks in Indian languages, and although it may take some time for the listeners to react, he remains proud of representing his mother tongue.”

Importance of Regional Language in Education
Linguistic diversity is being used more commonly for the sake of maintaining India’s cultural legacy, fostering individual cognitive growth, and fostering a sense of diversity because of that increased career prospects. This has empowered marginalized people, as due to the inclusion of regional languages they have also got opportunities to explore multiple career opportunities, leading to a more inclusive society with equal potential for success produced through it. Hence, students must learn regional languages due to the benefits it provides.

” Keeping Cultural Heritage Safe
Learning regional Indian languages promotes cultural variety and the preservation of the nation’s cultural legacy. Students can connect with an unexplored heritage by learning a regional language. Each language spoken in India has its history and culture. Learning regional languages exposes students to lores, tales, and stories specific to that language. Additionally, they learn about the cultural practices, beliefs, and habits of those who speak that language.

” Greater Comprehension of Concepts
When you learn in your mother tongue, comprehension becomes simpler. Because they are more fluent in the language, they can better relate to the subject matter. For example, it will be easier for a Tamil-born person, to understand and retain science courses if science is taught in Tamil rather than English. There will be better learning outcomes with increased academic achievements.

” Enhanced Communication Abilities
Learning the regional languages of India may also improve your communication skills. People from different parts of India speak different languages, making it a cosmopolitan country. Learning regional languages helps students communicate more effectively with people from different parts of the country. It promotes understanding across cultures and social cohesion.

” Improvement in Cognitive Development
It is commonly known that learning a second language enhances cognitive development. In addition to learning the material, students who study India’s regional languages also improve cognitively. They have to flip between two languages all the time. It might lead to improvements in memory, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
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” More Employment Possibilities
Due to the diverse economy of India, there are many employment opportunities available in the nation. Studying India’s regional languages increases a student’s chances of finding work in their community. This is the case because they have a better understanding of local habits and customs and can interact effectively with the general public. This could result in more economic growth and job possibilities.

” The Encouragement of Linguistic Diversity
The linguistic history of India is diverse. Lingual diversity is promoted in the country through teaching regional Indian languages in schools. It is important for safeguarding the planet’s rich linguistic heritage. Additionally, acquiring knowledge of a local language promotes tolerance and respect for all cultures and groups.

” Marginalised Communities Empowerment
The regional languages of India are widely spoken by underprivileged populations. Teaching these languages in classrooms provides these communities more power by giving them a voice. It also helps level the playing field for children from diverse backgrounds. It might lead to a more prosperous and inclusive society.

” You can converse with more Individuals.
When does learning a second language cause anybody any harm? Relationships and understanding are improved when one speaks with others in their mother tongue. Acquiring a regional language has lifelong advantages, such as fostering cross-cultural relationships, increasing employment opportunities, engaging in intriguing travel, and developing a more profound comprehension of diverse perspectives. Gaining a regional tongue opens up more communication options and gives you access to the many benefits of bilingualism, even if English is currently the most widely spoken language in the world.

Technology in Regional Languages
With growing demand among youth and the importance of regional languages in India, many online learning platforms have reported a 50% rise in the consumption of educational content in languages such as Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Bengali, highlighting the growing preference for vernacular language training among learners.

Software like DevOps and related courses are now also offered in regional languages. This is just not for beginners; even professionals seeking advanced skills prefer training in their native language for better comprehension and retention. It focuses on holistic career development and provides exclusive access to a dedicated job portal, ensuring students are well-prepared to succeed in the competitive job market.

The Indian government’s 2024 Budget has underscored this shift by allocating ?3,000 crores specifically for skill development programs for youth to compete in a rapidly evolving job market. The focus on upskilling the country’s youth, especially in regional languages, will bridge the skill gap and position India as a global hub of skilled professionals.

With this initiative, the Indian government aims to make high-quality training accessible to a wider audience, regardless of linguistic background.

Conclusion
Though implanting regional languages in the education system poses challenges, like PM Modi and many other first-world countries, who proudly speak their native languages in global forums, we Indians should also emphasize and own our mother tongue.

With the support of the government, careful planning, resource allocation, and dedicated teacher training, India is transforming its educational landscape and ensuring that students receive a high-quality education in their native languages. The Indian government is breaking down language barriers that previously hindered access to knowledge and various opportunities.

If the efforts and vision is really implemented, Indian youth will be able to contribute and think and dream more creatively in their native languages, and India will cultivate a generation of skilled professionals, thinkers, and innovators who are deeply connected to their cultural roots while being capable of contributing to global advancement, fostering a brighter and more equitable future for all.

The author is  Founder of JoinDevOps