India’s strength has always been rooted in its vibrant diversity, and one of the most powerful expressions of this diversity is language. With hundreds of languages and dialects enriching the cultural fabric of the nation, multilingualism remains a defining feature of India’s identity. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 recognizes this and places a strong emphasis on promoting multilingual learning as a tool for national integration, cultural unity, and inclusive development.
In alignment with this vision, the Bharatiya Bhasha Samiti (BBS) has recommended a transformative initiative titled “Learn One More Bharatiya Bhasha”, which the University Grants Commission (UGC) has now urged all Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) across the country to implement.
Why “Learn One More Bharatiya Bhasha”?
India’s linguistic richness offers immense opportunities for social cohesion, cross-cultural understanding, and enhanced employability. Learning an Indian language beyond one’s mother tongue or regional language not only strengthens national unity but also equips students and faculty with additional communication skills valuable in both professional and personal contexts.
This initiative directly contributes to the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047, a future where India stands as a developed, culturally rooted, and globally influential nation. By encouraging youth to embrace linguistic diversity, the program nurtures empathy and promotes India’s ethos of “Unity in Diversity.”
Guidelines for HEIs: What the Initiative Involves
The Bharatiya Bhasha Samiti has prepared detailed guidelines to help HEIs introduce and manage this initiative successfully. These guidelines were developed through consultations with multiple stakeholders and cover several essential aspects:
1. Courses to Be Offered
HEIs are encouraged to offer structured language courses in various Indian languages—especially those from different states or regions. The courses may range from beginner to advanced levels depending on the institution’s capacity.
2. Target Groups
The initiative is designed to include:
- Students across all disciplines
- Faculty members
- Non-teaching staff
- Members of the local community
This inclusive approach ensures that language learning becomes a shared cultural experience.
3. Learning Resources
The guidelines suggest curated learning materials, digital tools, and reference content to support participants. Institutions may collaborate with linguistic departments, language experts, or local cultural organizations to enrich the learning process.
4. Trainers and Execution Strategy
HEIs may appoint language trainers from their faculty or engage external experts. A clear execution plan—including scheduling, promotional activities, and monitoring—will help maintain momentum and participation.
5. Incentives
To encourage widespread adoption, institutions may consider certificates, academic credit options, cultural immersion activities, or recognition programs.
A Step Toward Cultural Integration
The UGC has urged HEIs to implement these guidelines “in letter and spirit.” As India moves toward 2047, strengthening multilingualism becomes not just an academic goal but a national mission. Learning a new Indian language creates bridges between communities, enhances mutual respect, and builds a culturally aware and inclusive generation.
Through this initiative, campuses can become vibrant spaces where languages meet, cultures blend, and young minds grow into true ambassadors of India’s linguistic and cultural unity.