New Delhi, May 23 (H.S.): Vice-Chancellor of the Central Sanskrit University, New Delhi, Prof. Srinivas Varkhedi, has said that Indian languages are not merely a medium of expression, but the very foundation of the nation’s cultural consciousness and knowledge tradition. Strengthening Indian languages, he asserted, is equivalent to strengthening the soul of India.

Prof. Varkhedi stated that the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 represents a historic initiative to place Indian languages at the centre of education and research, while the Central Board of Secondary Education’s (CBSE) three-language formula (R-3) reflects the practical implementation of that visionary approach.

In a post on social media, Prof. Varkhedi said that students who have studied Indian languages from the primary level should be given the opportunity to maintain linguistic continuity at the secondary level as well. He noted that education in the mother tongue and Indian languages significantly strengthens students’ intellectual development, self-confidence, and creative abilities. India’s linguistic diversity, he said, is one of its greatest strengths, and preserving and promoting it is a collective responsibility.

A nationwide debate on Indian languages, cultural identity, and education policy has intensified following the filing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Supreme Court challenging the implementation of the CBSE three-language formula from Class 9 onwards. Educationists, linguists, and advocates of Indian languages have described the issue as far more than a curriculum-related matter, calling it intrinsically linked to the country’s linguistic heritage, cultural continuity, and educational equality.

Experts have argued that the future of millions of students cannot be determined solely on the basis of the expectations of a limited elite class or groups advocating foreign-language dominance. Since most students study at least one Indian language up to Class 8, they should also be allowed to continue studying the same language in Classes 9 and 10.

Prof. Varkhedi clarified that promoting Indian languages does not imply opposition to foreign languages. He said India has always remained open to global knowledge systems, but no nation can remain self-reliant and confident for long if its linguistic roots are weakened.

According to education experts, the CBSE’s R-3 model is fully aligned with the core vision of the National Education Policy. The NEP places special emphasis on mother tongue-based education, multilingualism, and the preservation and promotion of Indian languages. Several international studies have also shown that students learn more effectively in familiar languages and that their intellectual, emotional, and creative development becomes stronger through such education.

Why Indian Languages Are Essential

-Enhancement of memory, logical thinking, and creativity.

-Greater equality in education and reduction of elitism.

-Preservation of literature, indigenous knowledge, and cultural heritage.

-Strengthening of national unity and cultural dialogue.

-Ensuring linguistic continuity for students.

Call for a Nationwide Awareness Campaign

Scholars associated with education and culture have stressed the need for a nationwide public awareness campaign in support of Indian languages. They said social media platforms, print media, digital forums, educational institutions, and cultural organisations must play an active role in spreading awareness about multilingual education and the importance of Indian languages across society.

Experts believe that Indian languages constitute India’s greatest strength, and empowering them would be a crucial step towards reinforcing the country’s cultural identity, educational equality, national unity, and self-reliant future.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar