Importance of Vernacular in Education

            Introduction of English as the most important medium of education in India came as a blessing as it promoted a nationalistic outlook of unity amongst the millions of Indians who were hitherto divided by diverse languages, religions and creeds. But, it was also a curse in disguise. It made people with English education look down upon their own folk who had not schooling in English. Education in vernacular was neglected. Western culture and thoughts predominated, in every phase of life. Sheer imitation of European way of life prevailed in Indian society.

            Knowledge of English was, and is, no doubt, still essential for the Indians. But its retention as the medium of instruction in post-Independence India has no meaning actually. Most countries of the world proudly and efficiently use vernacular as the medium of education. But in India, owing to its multilingualism and colonial past, a strong controversy still lingers over the rightful status of vernaculars as the medium of instruction. Even today, after sixty-six years of independence, English medium schools are mushrooming and a big section of our affluent people feels proud that their children study in English medium institutions.

            English, by history and tradition, occupies a very important and prestigious position in our social life. Yet, it should not and must not be the medium of education. The soul of a nation can never attain its highest development and brightest expression through an alien medium. It is essentially the mother tongue that our poets and literatures shall speak in while they invoke the new age. Our scientists shall explain new inventions in our mother tongue while it is in our vernacular that our thinkers shall pour out their precious knowledge. This alone can intake our study truly fruitful. Tender-aged students cannot study and learn easily through a foreign medium. Use of vernacular will infallibly grow greater hope and confidence in our people. And then, the age-old tumbling blocks of illiteracy ignorance, superstition and orthodoxy will automatically vanish forever.