Article 3: ‘Bhasha’ matters in India’s multilingual moment
Why in news: In news due to International Mother Language Day (21 February) observed by UNESCO and release of the State of the Education Report for India 2025 – Bhasha Matters, highlighting renewed focus on mother-tongue-based education under NEP 2020 reforms.
Key Details
- India has 1,300+ mother tongues and 121 recognised languages (Census 2011), making linguistic diversity a major national strength.
- Around 44% of children enter school in a language different from the medium of instruction, affecting foundational learning (NCERT, 2022).
- Mother-Tongue-Based Multilingual Education (MTB-MLE) improves literacy, confidence, inclusion and reduces dropout rates.
- NEP 2020 and subsequent curriculum reforms prioritise mother tongue in early education; UNESCO’s Bhasha Matters (2025) supports this approach.
- State (Odisha MLE, Telangana DIKSHA) and national initiatives (PM eVIDYA, BHASHINI, AI4Bharat) leverage multilingual and digital tools to strengthen access and equity.
India’s Linguistic Crossroads
- India possesses one of the richest linguistic landscapes in the world.
- As per the 2011 Census, the country has 1,300+ mother tongues and 121 constitutionally recognised languages.
- Linguistic diversity in India is not merely demographic data — it is a core national strength shaping learning, identity and social interaction.
- Languages shape how children think, learn and interpret the world.
- Preserving languages is therefore both a cultural necessity and an educational priority.
Why Language Preservation Matters
- The disappearance of a language leads to the loss of intergenerational knowledge and cultural wisdom.
- Language loss affects not just communication but also ways of understanding reality and society.
- Protecting languages is essential for safeguarding human knowledge systems.
- This makes language preservation a matter of educational policy, not just heritage conservation.
- Hence, Mother-Tongue-Based Multilingual Education (MTB-MLE) becomes crucial.
Mother Tongue as the Basis for Quality Education
- International Mother Language Day (February 21) highlights the importance of multilingual learning under the theme “Youth voices on multilingual education.”
- Children thrive academically when their home language is recognised in classrooms.
- Recognition of language strengthens identity, self-esteem and belongingness.
- UNESCO advocates teaching in the language best understood by learners as a condition for quality education.
- Multilingual classrooms create inclusive spaces where diversity is valued.
UNESCO’s ‘Bhasha Matters’ Report (2025)
- The seventh edition of UNESCO’s State of the Education Report for India (2025), titled Bhasha Matters: Mother Tongue and Multilingual Education, examines the status of MTB-MLE.
- It combines global research, national data and practical case studies.
- The report establishes that MTB-MLE is pedagogically effective and socially transformative.
- It proposes 10 policy recommendations to build an inclusive education system.
- It highlights best practices such as:
- Bilingual teaching-learning materials
- Teacher training reforms
- Digital innovations for multilingual content delivery
Language as a Barrier to Learning
- Globally, over 250 million learners lack access to education in a language they fully understand.
- In India, nearly 44% of children begin school in a language different from the medium of instruction (NCERT, 2022).
- These children face a double learning burden — decoding language before grasping concepts.
- This results in:
- Weak foundational literacy and numeracy
- Learning gaps
- Reduced confidence
- Higher dropout risks
Policy Response in India
- The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 places the mother tongue/home language at the centre of early education.
- The National Curriculum Frameworks (2022 & 2023) reinforce this approach.
- These frameworks signal a shift toward linguistic inclusion in schooling.
State-Level and Digital Initiatives
- Odisha runs a multilingual education programme covering 21 tribal languages in 17 districts, benefiting nearly 90,000 children.
- Telangana uses DIKSHA-enabled multilingual digital resources to expand access.
- National initiatives supporting multilingualism include:
- PM eVIDYA
- Adi Vaani
- BHASHINI
- AI4Bharat language technologies
- These platforms use digital tools and artificial intelligence to:
- Document endangered languages
- Create local-language content
- Support teachers in multilingual classrooms
Roadmap for Systemic Reform
The Bhasha Matters report recommends:
- Clear state-level language-in-education policies rooted in MTB-MLE
- Strengthened teacher recruitment and professional standards
- Reforms in pre-service and in-service teacher training
- Development of high-quality multilingual textbooks and assessments
- Community participation and inclusion of indigenous knowledge systems
- Gender-responsive approaches
- Responsible investment in language technology
- Sustainable financing mechanisms
- Establishment of a National Mission for Mother-Tongue-Based Multilingual Education to coordinate efforts across ministries and institutions
Linguistic Diversity as a Development Driver
- Linguistic diversity is not an obstacle but a driver of equity, identity and social cohesion.
- Evidence shows children learn best in a language they understand.
- With supportive policies and state innovations, India is positioned for transformative educational reform.
- Recognising every learner’s language improves:
- Academic outcomes
- Well-being
- Social participation
Conclusion
Multilingual education in India is gradually transforming from a policy idea into a broader national movement aimed at strengthening inclusion and equity. Active youth participation is giving new momentum to this shift, making multilingualism a lived educational reality rather than a theoretical goal. Observed on 21 February, International Mother Language Day reinforces the message that valuing every language deepens democracy and advances development. India’s multilingual moment has arrived, with young citizens playing a decisive role in shaping its inclusive future.
EXPETCED QUESTION FOR PRELIMS:
Consider the following statements regarding multilingual education in India:
1. International Mother Language Day is observed on 21 February by UNESCO.
2. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 recommends mother tongue/home language as the medium of instruction at least till Grade 5.
3. The Bhashini initiative aims to promote only classical languages of India through digital tools.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: a