Language, Legacy and Learning: NEP 2020 and the Sindhi Renaissance

RAJU ROY

NEP 2020’s Language Vision: A Framework for Revival

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has opened new doors for linguistic diversity and cultural preservation in India. Among the many Indian languages that stand to benefit from this transformative vision is Sindhi, a language with rich literary heritage, spiritual depth, and cultural identity. Despite being one of the 22 scheduled languages of India, Sindhi has long struggled to reclaim its rightful place in mainstream education. NEP 2020, with its multilingual emphasis and mother-tongue-based foundational learning, offers renewed hope for a Sindhi Renaissance  a cultural and academic revival of the language across generations.

Language is not merely a means of communication; it is a vessel of history, culture, and identity. In India’s constitutionally diverse and multilingual society, every language holds a place of significance. The National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020) aims to transform India's education system into a more inclusive, culturally sensitive, and language-based framework. Its core message “Early childhood education in the mother tongue, preservation of language and culture” emphasizes the role of language in inclusive development. In this context, the Government of India is placing renewed emphasis on the preservation, promotion and integration of minority languages such as Sindhi into mainstream education.

The Sindhi Language: A Legacy of Civilization - Sindhi is an ancient Indo-Aryan language with deep roots in the Indus Valley Civilization. Although originally spoken in the Sindh province (now in Pakistan), the post-Partition migration of a significant Sindhi-speaking population to India in 1947 led to its widespread presence across the country. In 1967, Sindhi was added to the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, thereby receiving official recognition. Today, vibrant Sindhi-speaking communities thrive in states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Delhi.

Key Language Objectives of NEP 2020

1. Mother Tongue-Based Education - NEP 2020 advocates that the medium of instruction at least until Grade 5 and preferably up to Grade 8  should be the child’s mother tongue or regional/local language. Research by educators and psychologists supports this, showing that children comprehend and retain knowledge more effectively in their first language. Such a model fosters confidence, participation, and inclusivity while reducing dropout rates. The policy does not promote linguistic imposition but encourages learning within a natural language environment.

2. Three-Language Formula -NEP 2020 reaffirms and modernizes India’s long-standing three-language formula. Students are expected to learn three languages: (1) One must be the mother tongue or regional language, (2) One a national language (e.g., Hindi) and (3) one an international language (e.g., English).

Importantly:At least two of the three must be Indian languages.The choice of languages is to be context-sensitive, determined by the state and educational institutions.No language will be imposed.The objective is to foster linguistic tolerance, cultural empathy and national integration.This framework opens avenues for Sindhi to be introduced as an optional third language in schools located in areas with a significant Sindhi-speaking population.

3. Linguistic, Cultural, and Historical Perspective - NEP 2020 views language not merely as a communication tool but as a carrier of cultural and philosophical heritage. The policy proposes: (a) Establishment of Bharatiya Bhasha Vishwavidyalaya for the study and promotion of Indian languages, (b) Revitalization of classical languages like Pali, Prakrit, Persian, and Sanskrit, (c) Creation of translation centers, dictionaries, and linguistic research institutes.This approach will help restore the richness of India’s linguistic heritage in educational discourse.

4. Promotion of Local and Minority Languages - NEP 2020 recognizes India’s linguistic diversity as a national asset. In light of the risk of extinction faced by many tribal and minority languages, the policy outlines a roadmap for preservation: (a) Curriculum and textbook development in local languages, (b) Teacher training in native languages, (c) Use of sustainable digital tools for documentation and promotion and (d) Encouraging linguistic research and archiving.

5. Use of Technology in Language Learning - The policy emphasizes AI-based language learning platforms, online courses, and Virtual Language Labs to support multilingual proficiency. This ensures that even learners in remote regions can gain exposure to diverse languages including their own.

6. Teacher Training and Multilingual Capacity Building - NEP 2020 recognizes the central role of teachers in multilingual education. It proposes professional development modules, language sensitivity training, and pedagogical support systems to ensure teachers can effectively deliver instruction in multiple languages.

Significance of NEP 2020 for Sindhi Language

1. Provision for Primary Education in Sindhi - In regions with high Sindhi-speaking populations, NEP 2020 provides a framework to offer primary education in Sindhi, including the creation of Sindhi-language textbooks, curricula, and recruitment of trained teachers. This will aid both language preservation and improve educational outcomes among Sindhi-speaking children.

2. Sindhi within the Three-Language Formula - Under the three-language policy, Sindhi can be chosen as a third language, enabling students to stay connected with their linguistic identity. It will foster linguistic diversity and encourage daily usage and transmission of the language.

3. Preservation of Sindhi Literature and Heritage - NEP views language as a bearer of cultural memory. Through translation projects, dictionaries, digital archives, and institutional research, Sindhi literature, music and philosophical texts can be preserved and made accessible to younger generations.

4. Training of Sindhi Language Teachers - The policy encourages the creation of teacher training programs, language labs, and digital platforms to build a strong cadre of trained Sindhi educators. This will ensure quality instruction in the language and address the shortage of qualified language teachers.

5. Revitalization Through Digital Technology - AI-driven learning apps, online platforms, and virtual classrooms can bring Sindhi into the digital mainstream. This will make the language more accessible, especially to tech-savvy youth and diasporic communities.

6. Development of Educational Materials in Sindhi - Currently, Sindhi lacks a comprehensive repository of institutional-grade textbooks and learning aids. NEP enables NCERT, SCERT, and NCPSL to jointly develop age-appropriate learning materials, which will make language learning engaging and structured.

7. Promotion of Research and Higher Education in Sindhi - With NEP’s focus on research-based education, Sindhi language and literature can be studied at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Institutions, with the support of UGC and AICTE, can offer funding for thesis work, translation projects and linguistic documentation in Sindhi. 

Implementation Strategy and Way Forward – (a) Curriculum inclusion in coordination with NCPSL and state education boards. (b) Development of Sindhi digital resources using AI and NLP tools (e.g., translation engines, speech-to-text tools, data repositories).                         (c) Teacher training programs and creation of bilingual teaching aids. (d) Organizing language festivals, literature competitions, and cultural programs in schools to promote Sindhi heritage. (e) Campaigning initiatives like "One Book One Family" to encourage reading in Sindhi.

Aligned with the Viksit Bharat@2047 vision, NEP 2020 places language as a central pillar of nation-building, in sync with key national missions like Digital India, Aatmanirbhar Bharat, and Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat. Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has reiterated the need to place mother-tongue education at the core of India’s future learning systems.

Sindhi is not merely the language of a minority group it is a proud bearer of India’s cultural and civilizational legacy. NEP 2020 has breathed new life into languages that were long overlooked. Through a clear roadmap, strong political will, and active community participation, the preservation, mainstreaming, and global outreach of the Sindhi language is now a tangible possibility. If language lives, culture thrives; and when culture thrives, a confident, rooted, and progressive India emerges.NEP 2020 is not just an education reform  it is a historic commitment to linguistic justice, cultural integrity, and national unity.

(Raju Roy is a Post Graduate Teacher, Secondary Education Department, Govt. of Tripura. Email ID:rajulive24@gmail.com)