By Prof. C.C. TRIPATHI
India is a nation of immense linguistic and cultural diversity, where hundreds of languages and dialects are spoken across different regions. Language is not merely a medium of communication; it is also the carrier of a society’s culture, traditions, history, and identity.
The first language that a child learns from the family, especially from the mother, is known as the mother tongue. It becomes the primary medium through which a child expresses thoughts, emotions, and ideas. Therefore, the mother tongue plays a crucial role in the intellectual and emotional development of children.
Education in the mother tongue is natural for students. When learners study in their own language, they can understand concepts more effectively because their minds are not burdened by the process of translation. In contrast, when education is imparted in a foreign language, students first attempt to comprehend the language and then the subject matter, which often affects their understanding, creativity, and pace of learning.
Various studies have established that early education in the mother tongue significantly enhances logical reasoning, self-confidence, and creative thinking among children.
For a long time, English was regarded in India as the primary medium of modern education and knowledge, resulting in the neglect of Indian languages. A perception developed that technical and professional education could only be imparted effectively in English. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has sought to change this mindset by emphasizing the importance of mother tongues and Indian languages in education.
The policy recommends that, wherever possible, the medium of instruction until at least Grade 5, and preferably till Grade 8, should be the mother tongue or regional language. In addition, significant efforts are being made to make professional courses such as engineering, medicine, law, and other disciplines available in Indian languages.
UNESCO and the Global Perspective on Multilingual Education
A recent report released by UNESCO on International Mother Language Day (21 February 2025), titled “Languages Matter: Global Guidance on Multilingual Education,” highlights the urgent need to integrate multilingualism into education systems so that children can learn in a language they understand.
According to the report, nearly 40% of the world’s population does not receive education in a language they speak or comprehend. In low- and middle-income countries, the situation is even more critical, with nearly 90% of learners deprived of education in their mother tongue. This adversely affects not only learning outcomes but also cultural identity and self-confidence.
As migration and displacement increase worldwide, linguistic diversity has become a global reality, making multilingual classrooms increasingly common. UNESCO defines Multilingual Education (MLE) as an approach that uses three languages: the mother tongue, a regional or national language, and an international language.
This model helps students remain connected to their roots while preparing them for global competitiveness. India’s National Education Policy 2020 advances this very vision through the implementation of the Three-Language Formula.
The Three-Language Formula: A Vision for a Multilingual India
One of the key components of NEP 2020 is the “Three-Language Formula,” which aims to promote multilingualism and connect students with India’s linguistic and cultural diversity. Under this framework, every student is encouraged to learn at least three languages, two of which should be Indian languages.
The first language is preferably the student’s mother tongue or regional language, ensuring that early education becomes more accessible and meaningful. Flexibility has been provided in the selection of the second and third languages.
In Hindi-speaking states, students may learn another Indian language or English, while in non-Hindi-speaking states, Hindi or English may be chosen. Similarly, the third language may include English or another Indian language.
The most significant feature of the Three-Language Formula is its flexibility. The policy does not impose any particular language on any state or student. Instead, states, students, and parents are free to choose languages according to their regional context and preferences. The objective is not merely linguistic proficiency but also the development of mutual respect, cultural understanding, and national integration.
Global Examples: China and Russia
Several countries across the world have adopted their mother tongues as the primary medium of education and development. China, for instance, has established Mandarin Chinese as the principal language of education, administration, science, and technology.
Engineering, medicine, scientific research, and technological innovation are largely conducted in Chinese, yet China remains one of the world’s leading economic and technological powers. The country embraced foreign languages without compromising the importance of its own language.
Similarly, Russia has used Russian as the foundation of its educational and scientific systems. Education, scientific research, space exploration, and technological advancement are predominantly carried out in Russian. Russian scientists and scholars have contributed significantly to global knowledge while working in their native language. These examples clearly demonstrate that education in the mother tongue can coexist with excellence in science and technology.
Linguistic Exchange and National Integration
The practical significance of the Three-Language Formula lies in its ability to strengthen communication and understanding among people from different regions of India. For example, if a student from Uttar Pradesh learns a South Indian language such as Tamil or Telugu, it enables a deeper understanding of the culture, traditions, and way of life of people from that region.
Likewise, a student from South India who learns Hindi can interact more comfortably with people from northern India. Such linguistic exchange reinforces the spirit of “Unity in Diversity” and helps bridge regional differences.
In addition, many foreign visitors, researchers, and tourists visiting India today show keen interest in learning Indian languages such as Hindi, Tamil, and Sanskrit in order to connect more meaningfully with local communities and understand Indian culture more deeply. This not only promotes cultural exchange but also enhances the global recognition of India’s linguistic heritage.
Mother Tongue and Cultural Preservation in India
India has been making continuous efforts to promote mother tongue-based education. NEP 2020 gives special emphasis to the preservation and promotion of Indian languages. The Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi has repeatedly emphasized that education in Indian languages contributes significantly to the development of students’ talent, creativity, and self-confidence.
In this direction, the decision of the All-India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) to introduce engineering education in Indian languages is a major step forward. This initiative will particularly benefit students from rural and underprivileged backgrounds by providing them equal opportunities in higher education.
The Three-Language Formula offers multiple benefits. Education in the mother tongue improves comprehension and learning outcomes, while exposure to different languages enables students to appreciate India’s cultural diversity and strengthens national unity.
Multilingual students are also better prepared for employment opportunities and global engagement. Moreover, learning and expressing oneself in one’s own language enhances confidence, creativity, and communication skills.
A transformative effort
The National Education Policy 2020 and the Three-Language Formula represent a transformative effort to make India’s education system more inclusive, practical, and deeply rooted in Indian culture. Mother tongue-based education not only simplifies learning but also strengthens an individual’s connection with society, culture, and the nation.
The examples of China and Russia demonstrate that nations can achieve global leadership while preserving and promoting their native languages.
Mother tongues are powerful instruments of cultural and emotional unity. If India aspires to become a self-reliant, knowledge-driven, and culturally empowered nation, the effective implementation of mother tongue-based education and the Three-Language Formula is not merely desirable but essential.
