(With inputs from AFP)
The children belong to Indigenous tribal communities in Rajasthan, where Hindi, the language of instruction in most schools, is not widely spoken at home. Recognising this linguistic barrier as a root cause of poor academic performance, a pilot programme was launched in two districts of the state to teach children in their mother tongues.
A Shift Towards Inclusive Learning
Months into the initiative, the transformation in classroom engagement is evident. Once hesitant and confused, students are now more responsive and confident. The programme aligns with longstanding educational research, which confirms that young children learn best in their first language, especially during foundational years.
Despite high school enrolment rates across India, student performance lags due to various factors including poverty, early marriages, and inadequate teacher training. However, language remains a critical, often overlooked, contributor to the problem. In a country of over 1.4 billion people and more than 100 spoken languages, the use of unfamiliar languages in early education can significantly hinder learning.
Statistics reveal the gravity of the issue. By age eight, only 39 percent of Indian students reach the required reading level. By fifteen, the figure drops to 10 percent. Rajasthan’s multilingual landscape offered a compelling ground for experimentation. A recent survey across nine rural districts identified 250,000 primary school students speaking 31 different languages, with three-fourths struggling to comprehend Hindi.
Tools, Training and Community Engagement
The programme developers responded with practical steps. Dictionaries were created in local dialects, eventually expanding into trilingual versions including Hindi and English. Teachers received training to incorporate students’ native languages into classroom instruction, fostering a more inclusive environment.
Community involvement has been another positive outcome. With instruction now in familiar languages, parents can engage more actively in their children’s education, guiding reading and storytelling at home. This not only supports academic development but also strengthens cultural identity and family bonds.
A Model for National Transformation
The pilot, supported by state education bodies and international partners, is set to run for two years, with potential for expansion. Early signs point to increased attendance, improved classroom planning, and heightened parental involvement—key indicators of sustainable change.
This grassroots approach to education could pave the way for broader reforms across India, offering a template for addressing the deep-rooted challenges in the nation’s schooling system.
