Author: Sanjoy Halder & Dr. Pankaj Kumar Paul
DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.70798/Bijmrd/04051026
Abstract: The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 represents a transformative framework for revitalizing India’s education system in alignment with the nation’s cultural, linguistic, and developmental aspirations. One of its most significant features is the promotion of Indian languages as mediums of instruction, knowledge creation, and cultural preservation. The policy recognizes linguistic diversity as a national asset and seeks to empower learners through mother tongue-based multilingual education. This paper examines the role of NEP 2020 in promoting Indian languages and fostering linguistic empowerment. It explores the educational reforms introduced by the policy, including multilingualism, mother tongue instruction, translation initiatives, language technology development, and preservation of classical and indigenous languages. Using a qualitative and analytical methodology based on policy documents and scholarly literature, the study analyzes the opportunities and challenges associated with implementing language-related reforms. The findings reveal that NEP 2020 has the potential to enhance learning outcomes, strengthen cultural identity, promote social inclusion, and democratize knowledge. However, challenges related to implementation, teacher preparedness, resource development, and societal attitudes toward language remain significant. The paper concludes that successful implementation of NEP 2020 can contribute substantially to educational equity, cultural sustainability, and linguistic empowerment in India.
Keywords: National Education Policy 2020, Indian Languages, Multilingual Education, Linguistic Empowerment, Mother Tongue Education, Educational Reforms, Cultural Preservation.
Page No: 205-211