Referring to various defining dimensions of the NEP, PM Modi once observed how every country reformed its “education system according to its national values and goals" and that the “end goal is to make sure its youth is future-ready." Speaking of one of the NEP’s most crucial dimensions—of encouraging and enabling education in the mother tongue—PM Modi observed that “education in the mother tongue is initiating a new form of justice for the students in India. It is a very significant step towards social justice."

It was a very significant observation. Emphasis on and cultivation of one’s language has always been seen as a major way forward towards cultural recovery and cultural independence. By speaking of social justice in the context of education in the mother tongue, PM Modi referred to a cardinal dimension of inclusiveness in our national life and growth. “Developed nations of the world," he said, “have an edge because of their local languages. Although India has an array of established languages, they were presented as a sign of backwardness, and those who could not speak English were neglected and their talents were not recognised. As a result, the children of the rural areas remained most affected. But the country has now begun to shun this belief."

This approach and insistence of the NEP is beginning to encourage a shift and change of mindset. Previous dispensations refused to encourage possibilities of education in the mother tongue. There ought to be a debate on the causes and effects of that neglect.

The other significant point that PM Modi made was while addressing the 98th session of the All India Marathi Sahitya Sammelan in Delhi. Dwelling on the richness and complementarity of Indian languages, PM Modi argued that “there has never been any enmity among Indian languages, instead they have always adopted and enriched each other." He spoke of the “shared heritage of languages" and that all languages in India were mainstream languages, and it was our responsibility to enrich and embrace languages.

India, he said, “is one of the world’s oldest living civilisations because it has consistently evolved, embraced new ideas, and welcomed changes" and that “India’s vast linguistic diversity is a testament to this evolution and serves as a fundamental basis for unity."

A leader who has consistently displayed such a mindset and demonstrated his commitment to preserving and........

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