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Shiv Sangal, a self made entrepreneur, is an NLP, Hypnotherapy and CBT certified holistic and minimalist personal development, off-the-beat lifestyle and travel blogger. Apart from this, he has also started writing about education, mental health and student rights.
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As per the Census of India, 2018, there are around 19500 mother tongues of the people of India. This is such a big number in a country, where only 22 languages have been recognised officially by the constitution. With more people being educated in modern schools and preparing themselves for being a part of the social fabric of the nation, such languages are declining.
But the problem is to determine, if this is really a problem or a solution to all of our future problems.
Talking of the entire nation would be indeed a difficult task, so a case of a small state in the northern Himalayas, Uttarakhand can be taken. Since I’m pursuing my majors in commerce from a prestigious university in Dehradun; the sample population was within our easy reach. I and my colleague Kanika Saklani surveyed the youth of Dehradun to find what the modern youth of capital and metro cities feel about their languages and cultures.
Uttarakhand itself is a treasure trove of resources. Moreover, their culture is also rich and varied. Earlier, even before the state of Uttarakhand was carved out, the region was split into two divisions, Garhwal and Kumaon. People from Garhwali speak Garhwali and those from Kumaon speak Kumaoni.
During the colonial period, the Britishers called for skilled soldiers from Nepal called Gorkhas to support them during the World Wars. After the wars were over, they were provided high paying jobs and ranks in the Indian Army. Even today, many languages are spoken by Gorkhas such as Nepali, Gorkhali, Gurung, Magar etc.
In 1959, during the Tibetan uprising, a lot of Tibetan families migrated and settled in various parts of India, but mainly in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and other North Eastern States.
This is gloomy to be imagined, such a glorious legacy would expire if these languages are not conserved. These languages differ even from region to region.
But understanding the languages is easier. Most of the languages of India are closely related to Sanskrit, which both of us fortunately know.
Most of the youngsters these days know their languages only to the extent, the ambience of their homes allows. They’re never formally educated in their languages. Many of these language speakers claim that they’ve never read any sort of literature in their native language, the problem being that those texts are also dying, the reason being, less reach and lack of mainstream coverage.
Here’s what can be done.
1. Introduction in Schools
If the languages are introduced in schools, half the problem is going to be solved. Students would be in a greater touch of these texts which will give them greater literary insights. Just like, Tibetan is taught in various schools in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and North Eastern States, so it has been able to be conserved.
2. Literature Festivals
Many students of these areas rush to buy the books that’ve a well set trend. However, if literature and book fairs and festivals are organised featuring local literature, this would play its part in saving these languages.
3. Localization of Syllabus
It is piteous to see that even state board is following this strategy. It is of no problem, if such languages are recognised under Hindi, rather than on their own. However, localisation of literature can be of great help.
Taking an example, for a student of Uttarakhand, reading literary compositions in Garhwali would be far more useful than reading dohas in Awadhi.
Garhwali, Kumaoni and other languages can be taught under Hindi. Similarly, Gorkhali can be taught under Nepali and so on.
If the syllabus is defined keeping in mind the requirements of the state as well, it would be really useful.
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