Message of Hindi Diwas: Education in mother tongue is the real progress

Hindi Diwas

(Language connects society and culture; education in mother tongue is the only way to build a nation)

Mother tongue is not just a means of communication, but a means of connecting with our identity and culture. The new education policy (2020) has emphasized on education in mother tongue till class 5, which will increase children's understanding, confidence and participation. English is important, but primary education is most effective in mother tongue. Despite the challenges, mother tongue based education will reduce the dropout rate, increase creativity and the child will remain connected to his roots. Hindi Diwas gives us the message that mother tongue is the basis of true education and nation building.

Language is not just a means of communication, but it is the basis of our identity, culture and connection with society. The language in which we think, dream and express ourselves is called our mother tongue. In a multilingual country like India, the importance of mother tongue increases even more. Hindi Day is celebrated every year on 14 September, the purpose of which is to create awareness and pride in the Hindi language among people. Hindi Day is not only an opportunity to promote Hindi, but it is also an opportunity to consider the importance of mother tongues and their use in education.

Mother tongue is deeply connected to a person's thoughts, culture and emotions. It is the most natural and comfortable medium of learning for children. When a child receives education in his own language, he learns with more confidence and interest. Mother tongue develops the cognitive ability of children, it connects them with social and cultural identity, a student receiving education in mother tongue is able to express himself in a better way and it makes education a process of understanding rather than rote learning.

The Government of India implemented the new National Education Policy in 2020 after 34 years. This policy paved the way for major changes in the field of education. The most important decision was that the medium of education should be mother tongue, local or regional language till class 5 and where possible till class 8. This decision is important because this will provide education to children in the same language in which they communicate at home and in society. Research has also proved that early education in the mother tongue improves the child's understanding, reduces dropout rate and increases their participation in class.

The Indian Constitution also supports education in the mother tongue. Article 350A states that states should provide education in the mother tongue for children belonging to linguistic minorities. The Kothari Commission (1964-66) recommended that education in the early years in tribal areas should be in the local tribal language. The Right to Education Act (2009) also provides that as far as possible, the medium of instruction should be the child's mother tongue.

The biggest problem today is that parents consider English medium schools to be the best. Parents in both rural and urban areas are in a race to send their children to English medium schools. They believe that English is the key to success. Only "English" is given priority without paying attention to the quality of education. The number of admissions in private English medium schools in rural India is increasing rapidly. But the truth is that language can never guarantee success. Real success is based on good education, confidence and knowledge. If a child is taught in a language which he does not understand, then neither his confidence will increase nor he will be able to take full advantage of the education.

There are many benefits of imparting education in mother tongue. A child can think easily in the language which is his mother tongue. Learning in one's own language provides a fear-free environment and increases self-confidence. Education in mother tongue keeps the child connected to his culture and traditions. When education is simple and understandable, children will not leave school. Thinking and expressing in mother tongue also develops creative ability.

But many practical problems arise in implementing this system. India has a great diversity of languages and dialects. Many languages do not have standardized scripts or adequate teaching material. There is a shortage of trained teachers who can handle multilingual classes. New books and training will cost extra. Also, the mindset of parents who consider English to be the best is also a big challenge.

Some concrete steps will have to be taken to deal with these challenges. Special training programs should be conducted for multilingual education. Quality books should be prepared in mother tongues. Campaigns should be run to make parents aware so that they understand that education in mother tongue is more beneficial for children. Experiments of mother tongue based education should be done in different states and progress should be made on the basis of their success. Digital education material should also be made available in local languages.

In many countries of the world, priority is given to education in mother tongue. Finland's education system is considered the best in the world and emphasis is laid on mother tongue at the primary level. Japan and South Korea achieved economic and technological progress at the global level by providing education in their own languages. UNESCO has also been constantly stressing that primary education should be provided in the mother tongue.

Hindi Diwas reminds us that our language is not just a medium of communication, but is the basis of our culture, tradition and identity. If we want the new generation to be confident, knowledgeable and creative, we must ensure a place for mother tongue in education. It is necessary to respect all mother tongues including Hindi.

The idea of imparting education in mother tongue is not new, but it needs to be implemented practically. English has its own importance, but primary education can be most effective only in mother tongue. We have to break the notion that success is achieved only through English medium. The real basis of success is knowledge, understanding and confidence.

On this Hindi Diwas, we should take a pledge that we will recognize the importance of our language and culture, make parents aware and encourage children to get education in their mother tongue. This will be our contribution towards real nation building.